Harald Glööckler’s life proves that fairy tales can emerge from nightmares. The self-made designer, known for his outrageous style and business savvy, overcame a childhood marred by violence and loss to build a glittering empire.
At 13, Glööckler watched his mother die in what he insists was no accident. His father’s abuse and an earlier sexual assault left deep scars, but fashion became his escape. “I wanted to make women feel beautiful because I saw how my mother suffered,” he explains. Starting at the bottom, he climbed the industry ladder, opening his first store at 22 and later creating the flamboyant Pompöös line.
Today, Glööckler is a multimedia mogul—designing clothes, selling art, and starring on TV. His over-the-top aesthetic (think: sequins, heavy makeup, and crowns) draws both admiration and eye rolls, but he thrives on the attention. “Boring people fade away,” he quips.
Privately, he’s a devoted partner to Dieter Schroth, his love of 30 years. Though health scares and $660,000 worth of plastic surgeries have made headlines, nothing slows him down. With a €10 million net worth and a work ethic forged in hardship, Glööckler’s message is clear: Your past doesn’t define your sparkle.
