Harald Glööckler, the internationally acclaimed fashion designer and artist, has lived a life shaped by deep pain, powerful transformation, and an unshakable promise he made as a child — to never let his mother’s memory be forgotten. That promise, made in the face of tragedy, would become the cornerstone of a career defined by color, extravagance, and resilience.

Growing up in southern Germany, Glööckler’s early life was marked by darkness and abuse. His father was both violent and an alcoholic, creating a household filled with fear. “A zombie movie is more beautiful than my childhood,” he once told Bild in a candid interview. At age 13, Harald experienced a life-altering tragedy. His mother died after a suspicious fall down the stairs. Authorities ruled it an accident, but Harald has always believed it was murder. “When I was 13, I watched my father kill my mother,” he later revealed. He claimed that his father pushed her, and from that moment on, he never spoke to him again. Thirteen years later, when his father died, the silence remained unbroken.

But the trauma didn’t stop there. When Harald was only six years old, he was sexually assaulted by a family friend during a trip. Because of the chaos in his home, he kept it a secret for years. “It took me many years to understand that it wasn’t my fault,” he later said. That realization, though painful, became part of his journey toward healing.

Despite the suffering, Harald channeled his experiences into strength. Seeing his mother suffer made him determined to uplift and protect women. “When I was six, I decided I never wanted to see women cry again,” he said. “I just wanted to make every woman feel beautiful.”

He began his career as an apprentice and then worked as a salesperson in a fashion house. Eventually, he gained enough confidence to step out on his own. In 1987, at the age of 22, he opened his first boutique, Jeans Garden, in Stuttgart. He ran it with his business and life partner, Dieter Schroth, a skilled haberdasher.

Three years later, he launched his most famous fashion label: Pompöös. His brand became synonymous with extravagance — a celebration of glitter, crowns, and bold fashion statements. Celebrities like Gina Lollobrigida, Brigitte Nielsen, and Chaka Khan became his loyal clients. Over the years, Glööckler expanded his brand to include cosmetics, bags, and home décor. His products are now sold in over 80 countries.

While most famous in Germany, Glööckler has attracted global attention. He paints, designs jewelry, and has become a popular TV personality, serving as a judge on Germany’s Let’s Dance. He also starred in the documentary Harald Glööckler: Prince of Fashion and even dabbled in music. “My success happened because I’m very authentic — people love that,” he told Fashion Week. “And at the end of the day, I’m a clever businessman.”

Harald and Dieter have been together for over 30 years. In 2015, they entered into a registered partnership. Before meeting Harald, Dieter was married to a woman and had two daughters, who later came to live with the couple. Today, Harald and Dieter also have grandchildren and enjoy a quiet, traditional home life. “We meet with friends, have coffee, enjoy dinner,” Harald said. Though Dieter has experienced some health challenges, Harald has stood by his side. “I handle everything at home — cooking, shopping, taking care of the dog,” he shared.

In 2018, Harald experienced a health scare of his own when he suffered an anaphylactic shock. The cause remains unknown, but it landed him in the hospital. “My face kept swelling, and I couldn’t breathe. I panicked,” he told Bild. Thankfully, he recovered quickly and, in classic Glööckler fashion, joked afterward, “I’ve always wished for higher cheekbones, but not like this.”

As a 65-year-old fashion icon, Glööckler has embraced cosmetic surgery to maintain his youthful appearance. He is unapologetically open about his many procedures. “Plastic surgery is neither good nor bad. It’s necessary,” he once stated. His dramatic look — complete with enhanced cheekbones and lifted features — has drawn criticism, but he remains unfazed. “Someone said I look like the son of Liza Minnelli and David Gest,” he said with a laugh. “The point is, it doesn’t matter what people write about you. The only bad thing is to be boring.”

Harald doesn’t cut corners when it comes to perfecting his look. According to a 2024 interview with RTL, he’s spent over $660,000 on cosmetic surgeries, including breast enhancement to improve his upper body shape. “Aging is an imposition,” he said. “I get injections, go to the hairdresser — it’s all an investment in my brand.”

In June, he shocked fans by sharing a video on Instagram showing dozens of pink cannulas in his cheeks. “This is not facial jewelry — it’s a thread lift,” he explained. Some fans voiced concern, but Harald remained confident in his choices.

Despite his over-the-top public image, Glööckler is deeply committed to charitable causes, particularly those supporting women and LGBTQ+ rights. While his exterior shines with glamor, he enjoys a peaceful, private life at home.

Harald Glööckler’s story is one of courage, creativity, and reinvention. From a childhood filled with violence and heartbreak to building a multimillion-euro fashion empire, he has never wavered from being true to himself. Today, he stands not only as a fashion icon but also as a symbol of survival and self-expression.