Phillip Lim is stepping away from his namesake brand, 3.1 Phillip Lim, after nearly two decades of steering its creative direction.
This significant transition was announced on November 13, 2024, through an emotional Instagram post where Lim reflected on his journey, describing it as “an adventure of a lifetime.” He expressed gratitude for the creativity, community, and lessons learned during his tenure, emphasizing the impact they made together with co-founder Wen Zhou.
Founded in 2005 in New York City, 3.1 Phillip Lim quickly became synonymous with accessible luxury fashion, celebrated for its blend of edgy designs and everyday wearability. The brand gained recognition for its innovative approach to contemporary fashion, offering a range of products including womenswear, menswear, accessories, and footwear. Lim’s design philosophy focused on creating pieces that were not only stylish but also functional, resonating deeply with urban consumers.
Lim’s departure comes shortly after the brand’s 20th anniversary celebration at New York Fashion Week in September 2024. The runway show showcased a collection that encapsulated the designer’s signature style—effortless yet chic pieces that reflect the vibrant energy of New York City. Iconic items like the Pashli satchel became staples in many wardrobes, symbolizing the brand’s commitment to quality and design.
In a joint statement with Zhou, who will continue as CEO and sole owner of the brand, Lim highlighted their mutual respect and gratitude for their partnership. They acknowledged the remarkable success they achieved together in a challenging industry landscape while expressing pride in the community they built around the brand. Lim’s innovative spirit was evident throughout his career; he adapted to changing market conditions by pivoting towards comfort-focused designs during the pandemic and launching initiatives like
“New York Tougher Than Ever,”
which supported local youth programs.
As Lim steps back to pursue new opportunities, the future of 3.1 Phillip Lim remains uncertain without a named successor for the creative director role. However, Zhou’s leadership suggests that the brand will continue to thrive under its established principles of creativity and community engagement.
This transition marks not just a personal milestone for Lim but also signifies a pivotal moment for 3.1 Phillip Lim as it embarks on a new chapter without its founding designer at the helm. The fashion world watches closely to see how this beloved label will evolve while honoring its roots and legacy built over two decades.
