When we caught up with designer Phillip Lim at his garment district studio on Tuesday, he had just returned from a two-day trip to London, where Net-a-Porter founder, Natalie Massenet, had hosted a party to introduce him to some of the UK’s hottest “It” girls, including Elizabeth Saltzman, Melissa Odabash, Kirsty Young and the founder of Vogue.com, all of whom are fans of his 3.1 Phillip Lim line, which is carried in Matches, Browns, Selfridges and, of course, on the Net-a-Porter site.
“It was 25 interesting, intelligent women who are balancing [their lives] nicely,” Lim told The Fashion Informer while sipping a glass of Coke in his newly renovated showroom/office space. “It was just a nice mix of different people from different professions, so it was a great way to say hello to London. But I am exhausted.”
No surprise there. Lim has been a very busy boy of late. He launched a 60-look menswear line for fall, was nominated for a Swarovski Award for womenswear last month (to be announced at the CFDA Awards on June 4th), just moved to a new apartment, is shooting his Holiday look book in two days, unveiling a limited-edition line for Uniqlo in May, and is opening his first NYC boutique in July - all while putting the finishing touches on his resort line, planning the spring ‘08 collection and runway show, and designing a one-of-a-kind Sidekick for charity. And on the day we met, he was also being trailed by a Canadian journalist working on a “day in the life of” story for Holt Renfrew’s magazine.
After a quick tour of his new digs and a sneak peek at the women’s holiday/resort and men’s spring ‘08 prototypes (the latter of which included a killer tomato red trench that is sure to be as big a hit with the gals as it is with the guys), Lim graciously obliged us by answering a few random questions. So, Phillip...
What’s your favorite off-duty activity?
Sleep, eat and more sleep.
What’s the last book you read?
“Waiting” by Ha Jin.
What’s in heavy rotation on your iPod?
Junior Boys. So sexy. It’s what I'm feeling now.
What did you do last weekend, and what are you doing this weekend?
Last weekend I was prepping to move. This weekend: Moved! Cleaned! Exhausted!
Favorite getaway spot?
Koh Samui, off the coast of Thailand. It’s like a dream: simple, beautiful, kind.
Most underrated designer?
The designers in the design teams behind the big houses that make it all happen.
Favorite character on “Ugly Betty”?
I’ve never seen it. No time.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee. For sure!
What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
See above question.
What was your first job out of school?
As an design assistant/ butler/coffee runner/all-around servant at the now defunct, Katayone Adeli.
What’s your favorite store in the world?
Barneys New York - it’s everything under one roof.
What is your favorite work of art?
Richard Serra's insanely enormous steel/brass sculptures. They move me mind, body and soul.
What’s your dream job (other than your current occupation)?
Personal shopper to an extremely wealthy, adventurous, brilliant, stylish, inspiring person!
When are you happiest?
Sleeping next to my love.
Tune in next Wednesday for Random Questions For...Olivia Chantecaille.
Photos below © The Fashion Informer
I'm glad to see Phillip do so well. He played tennis with my brother Peter in high school and and he was always so patient to hit balls with me, even when I wasn't so good. He was one of the kindest people I've known...he surely deserves his success. Congrats Phil!
Posted by: Nancy Kerr (Vu) | September 17, 2007 at 03:24 AM
what is the resort 2008 collection based around?
Posted by: jbetta | January 09, 2008 at 09:02 PM
Just asked Phillip what Resort was based on, and here's what he told me:
Resort 2007
The 3.1 phillip lim resort 2007 collection is inspired by and will inspire
recollections and dreams of a picnic by the sea. The multilayered dresses
and tops speak of the fluidity of the ocean's dance. The palette this season
consists of pale shades of blue, grey, and crisp whites...but refreshingly
accented with peanut, clover, sea mist and infinity blue. The fabrications
express a crisp ease through the use of only natural fibers - suede's,
linens, silks, and cottons. Voluminous fabrics are gently gathered and
released to create a cascading motif while diamond cutting construction form
sleeves that are both geometric yet soft. Nautical stripes, mermaid dresses,
slouchy pants, tennis shorts, and the ideal tote are all the ingredients for
the perfect month long picnic by the beach, and part of the 3.I vision this
season.
Posted by: The Fashion Informer | January 10, 2008 at 05:39 PM