Not expecting it

Fashion designer Wolfgang Joop celebrates his 80th birthday

The German fashion designer Wolfgang Joop is 80!(Bild: Christophe Gateau / dpa / picturedesk.com)

On November 18, 2024, the renowned German fashion designer Wolfgang Joop celebrates his 80th birthday, something he himself did not expect. Joop has shaped the fashion world since the 1980s and still stands for innovation and style today. 

Shortly before his 80th birthday, the star designer spoke of the "grace" of still being able to work. "I don't moan about work. I'd rather be overemployed than underemployed," he told ZEITmagazin. Work is "better than a headache pill". "I didn't expect to be 80," the designer also said. 

"Not expecting it"
However, he is afraid that "old age will become the central theme of everyday life. This vulnerability, the feeling that something is happening to me that I can't control and that I don't know. After all, you're old for the first time," said Joop.

He achieved his international breakthrough with the founding of the fashion label "Joop!" in 1986. The brand, known for its elegant yet provocative style, established Joop as a key figure in German fashion.

Wolfgang Joop with parts of one of his collections.(Bild: Christophe Gateau / dpa / picturedesk.com)

"Wunderkind"
In 2001, Joop parted ways with "Joop!" and founded the "Wunderkind" label a few years later, with which he continued his vision of exclusive, artistically influenced fashion.

Joop has also made a name for himself as an illustrator, author and painter. His work includes book illustrations, columns and artworks that often reflect his extraordinary creativity and sense of aesthetics. Joop is also involved in social projects and is committed to social causes.

On his 80th birthday, fans and companions look back on an eventful and impressive life - and on a man who has had a lasting impact on the fashion world and has also left his mark outside of fashion.