Jörg Woltmann Marks 20 Years as Owner of KPM Berlin with Black Edition

Jörg Woltmann, the banker who acquired the Royal Porcelain Manufactory Berlin (KPM) in February 2006, has launched a new Black Edition of the company's Kurland porcelain range. The black-and-white photographs for the edition, shot by Alexander Kilian, show Woltmann with porcelain props, reflecting his pared-back style. Woltmann, who founded his first company at 17 and sold it at 28, took over KPM when the Berlin Senate sought to privatize the insolvent manufacturer. Despite advisers' warnings, he bought the company as a personal passion. Twenty years later, he is the sole owner of a luxury brand once held by seven kings and emperors. Under his leadership, KPM has embraced new partnerships, social media, a coffee-to-go cup, and automotive collaborations starting in 2009 with Ferdinand Piëch and continuing with Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac. The Black Edition emerged from Woltmann's observation of black porcelain on cookery programs, leading him to create a black version of Kurland, KPM's best-selling range for over 200 years. He describes it as a complement to KPM's classic aesthetic, not a departure. The feature includes styling by Antonia Dipner, creative direction by Antonia Dipner, creative production by Johanna Erdl, hair and make-up by Sydney Raab, photo assistance by Ben Mönks, production assistance by Ruby Stein, and was shot at Studio Berlin.