What was your inspiration for spring 2008?
Spring 2008 is a reflection of journeys, travels, expeditions we all have/will take to locales across the world. Along the way, we encounter experiences, objects and influences that shape who we are and who we want to be from moment to moment, from space to place. I was looking at old photographs from the 60's and 70's of random people - celebrities, socialites and normal civilians - and these amazing images of them returning from their travels and departing an airport with really chic complete outfits of the time but accented with exotic objects, accessories and jewelry that they picked up from the excursion. I thought this was such an interesting juxtaposition - mixing the familiar with the unexpected/exotic. So the result is a colorful, dynamic and chic evolution of forward dressing.
What colors, fabrics and silhouettes can we expect?
You can call it a Mixed Fruit Smoothie: A mixing of primary and secondary colors like citron, tangerine, cardinal, golden rod, poppy, cadet blue thrown together with neutrals such as cement, stone, bark, navy and gray. Fabrics are very natural and travel-friendly: Cottons - from fine to double-faced - silk blends, raffia, mohair-wool blends, and luxe leather and suede. Shapes are everything and anything. I feel this is more modern and fun then to just be limited/confined to the idea of what is ‘now in fashion.’
Are bubble/sack dresses really over, as claimed by New York mag and all the other proponents of the new long and lean look?
It is case-by-case basis. See 'shapes' answer, above.
What's the most unlikely place you've ever found creative inspiration, and how did it manifest itself in your collection?
Private moments in the restroom. It’s all about that intimacy that allows you to reflect.
If you had to choose a single woman, real of fictional, who best represented your spring 2008 collection, who would it be?
It would be a 34-year-old woman named Ingeborg Day. She is an office worker in midtown Manhattan and the mother of a 12-year-old girl, with a relatable allowance to spend on clothing - it’s all about CPW (cost-per-wear) - and she has a penchant for colorful tights.
What trend are you loving at the moment?
The idea that the word "trend" is so trendy!
What trend are you over?
The trend of having to have trends.
What trend are you hoping to ignite for spring 2008?
The freedom to wear what you feel. A personal liberation.
Phillip Lim is scheduled to present his collection on Sunday, September 9tth at the New York Public Library, Celeste Bartos Forum.
Comments