Phillip Lim is stepping down from the helm of 3.1 Phillip Lim, the fashion label he co-founded with Wen Zhou back in 2005. With Lim’s departure as creative director, Wen Zhou will continue steering the ship solo as CEO and now sole owner.
Since bursting onto the New York fashion scene, 3.1 Phillip Lim has championed the concept of accessible beauty. Lim’s designs have consistently bridged the gap between downtown edge and everyday wearability, crafting full looks that have become go-to staples for many. The brand has remained fiercely independent while expanding its reach globally, opening boutiques from SoHo to Tokyo, and venturing into menswear, accessories, and footwear.
When the pandemic shifted the world’s rhythm, Lim didn’t miss a beat. He introduced an “at-leisure” line that perfectly captured the need for comfort without sacrificing style. Beyond fashion, he launched the “New York Tougher Than Ever” initiative, rolling out T-shirts, sweatshirts, and pins to support inner-city youth programs—a nod to the city’s resilience. Teaming up with friends Prabal Gurung, Laura Kim, Tina Leung, and Ezra Williams, he co-founded House of Slay, a collective aimed at combating anti-Asian sentiment and fostering community solidarity.
Fast forward to September 2023, and 3.1 Phillip Lim made a much-anticipated return to New York Fashion Week with its Spring 2024 collection. The show was a testament to the brand’s enduring allure, drawing a star-studded front row that included Awkwafina, Kimora Lee Simmons, Leon Bridges, Nicky Hilton, and Teyana Taylor. The collection itself paid homage to the brand’s roots—effortless pieces that marry innovation with practicality.
Lim’s departure marks the end of an era, but also the beginning of another. As he steps away, the fashion world eagerly watches, knowing that both he and the brand he built will continue to shape the industry’s landscape in new and unexpected ways.
