Wolfgang Joop facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wolfgang Joop
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Wolfgang Joop photographed by Oliver Mark, Berlin 2015
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| Born | 18 November 1944 |
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Label(s)
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| Spouse(s) |
Karin Benatzky
(m. 1970; div. 1985)Edwin Lemberg
(m. 2013) |
| Children |
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| Parent(s) |
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| Awards | See corresponding section |
Wolfgang Joop (born November 18, 1944) is a famous German fashion designer. He started two well-known fashion brands: JOOP! and Wunderkind.
Contents
Early Life
Wolfgang Joop was born in Potsdam, Germany. His father, Gerhard Joop, was an editor and author. Wolfgang grew up on his grandparents' farm until he was about 10 years old. Then, his family moved to Braunschweig.
After finishing high school in 1964, Wolfgang started studying advertising psychology. He didn't finish this degree. Later, he also began studying art education, but he didn't complete that either.
Fashion Career
Starting Out in Fashion
Wolfgang Joop began his fashion journey in 1970. He entered a competition with his wife, Karin Benatzky, and they won all three top prizes! This big success helped him get a job as a fashion editor at a magazine in Hamburg.
After a year, he decided to work on his own. He became a freelance (independent) journalist and designer. In 1978, he became famous around the world with his first collection of fur designs.
In 1985, he was asked to teach fashion design at the Berlin University of the Arts. He was made an honorary professor in 1987. This means he was given a special title for his achievements.
JOOP! Brand
In 1982, Joop showed his first collection of ready-to-wear clothes for women. These are clothes made in standard sizes, ready to be bought. In 1985, he launched his first men's collection.
Two years later, he started his own brand called "JOOP!". He used capital letters and an exclamation mark to show energy. Under this brand, he sold clothes, shoes, jewelry, eyeglasses, and perfume.
Over time, Joop sold most of his shares in the JOOP! company. By 2001, he had sold all his shares and left the company.
Wunderkind Brand
In 2003, Wolfgang Joop and his partner, Edwin Lemberg, started a new high-end fashion brand called Wunderkind. This brand focuses on very special, unique designs.
Wunderkind first showed its collection in Potsdam, Germany. Then, in 2004, it made its international debut in New York City at New York Fashion Week. Later, in 2006, it moved its shows to Paris, France.
Wunderkind opened stores in Berlin, London, and Sylt. In 2011, the brand faced some changes and had to reorganize. However, it later presented new shows and planned for steady growth. Wolfgang Joop also designed a bridal gown for Princess Sophie of Isenburg in 2011.
Other Activities
Wolfgang Joop is interested in many things besides fashion.
Art
Joop is also an artist. He enjoys drawing and illustrating. More than 100 of his artworks are displayed at the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe in Hamburg. He also creates sculptures, and one of his sculptures is in a cemetery in Bornstedt. Wolfgang Joop also collects art, including paintings, sculptures, and furniture.
Writing
Wolfgang Joop has written several books. These include a gift book called Das kleine Herz (2001) and a cookbook called Hectic Cuisine (2002). He also wrote a novel, Im Wolfspelz (2003), and his autobiography, Stillstand des Flüchtigen (2002). He has also written many articles for magazines like Der Spiegel and Stern.
Acting and Television
Wolfgang Joop has appeared in several films. He had a main role in the film Suck My Dick (2001). He also had roles in other movies like Tears in Florence (1984) and The Summer of the Samurai (1986).
From 2014 to 2015, he was a judge on the TV show Germany's Next Topmodel. He judged alongside famous model Heidi Klum. He also returned as a guest judge on the show in 2017 and 2018.
Helping Others
Wolfgang Joop has volunteered for the Deutsche Knochenmarkspenderdatei. This organization helps people who need bone marrow donations.
Awards
- 1983: Fil d'or (award from the Confédération Internationale du Lin, Monte Carlo)
- 1984: Das Goldene Spinnrad (fashion prize from the city of Krefeld)
- 1995: Forum-Preis (award from the magazine Textilwirtschaft)
- 2005: Osgar (media prize from Bild)
- 2009: Bambi in the "Sonderpreis der Jury" category
- 2011: Radio Regenbogen Award in the "Medienmann" category
- 2012: Designpreis der Bundesrepublik Deutschland in the "Lebenswerk" category
Personal Life
In 1970, Wolfgang Joop married Karin Benatzky. They later divorced in 1985. They have two daughters: Henriette, known as Jette (born 1968), who is a fashion and jewelry designer, and Florentine (born 1973), who is a painter and author.
Since his divorce, Wolfgang Joop has been in a relationship with Edwin Lemberg. They entered a civil union in 2013.
