Could Philipp Plein be fashion’s Muhammad Ali? He certainly has the late boxer’s swagger, and loves performing for the crowds. His spring outing took place in the open air on Saturday night at Milan’s hippodrome, and featured two simultaneous shows — a monster trucks spectacle and a runway one.

Some 2,000 people were in the audience as models (including Plein’s partner Andrea) showed off the latest bling-y collection. In the background, souped-up cars sped by, teetering sideways on two wheels, while motorcyclists whizzed around, doing tricks. For the finale, Plein waved from the cab of a slow-moving blue monster truck while all the models walked behind. Later that night, he planned to host 5,000 people at the after-party.

“Plein is back — this show is for Italy and for Milano,” said the designer, who describes himself as the “king of bling.” He added that while it’s not really a moment for runway spectacles, “everyone kept asking me when I was going to do a big show again. They wouldn’t let up. And, you know, fashion has to be democratic, it has to be for the people and not only for the rich, or the beautiful, or the best. So here we are, we want this show to be spectacular, and we want to have fun.”

Plein said he chose a show of monster trucks because one of his young sons is crazy about them — and he couldn’t resist. He also relishes the fact that, as founder, owner and chief executive officer of his namesake brand, “I can do whatever the f— I want. This is our power. We are independent. We don’t have an investor, or a bank to answer to. We can do things without asking anybody for permission.”

The show itself was signature Plein with a mix of tailoring, sparkle, street and sportswear. Models ranged from city slickers in pastel double-breasted suits to street smart kids strutting in Plein varsity jackets with patches, sneakers and loose-fitting double denim.

The women, as always, were a mix of glam C-suite types and Vegas showgirls. Looks ranged from double-breasted satin tailored suits, and camel topcoats with shiny gold buttons to a lineup of ombre fur coats with tails dangling from the hem, minidresses encrusted with colored crystal flowers, jeans and denim suits sparkling with gold palm tree designs and heart shapes, a gesture of love to his fans, who can’t seem to get enough.