Returning to the New York runway after four challenging years, Phillip Lim, the Creative director behind the fashion brand 3.1 Phillip Lim, showcased an emotionally charged Spring/Summer 2024 collection. The past few years, marked by a global pandemic and a rise in anti-Asian violence, proved incredibly tough for independent fashion houses like 3.1 Phillip Lim, yet Lim emerged resilient, redefining his brand while speaking out against injustice. The Spring/Summer 2024 collection embodies this spirit of transformation, seamlessly intertwining 3.1’s New York essence with Lim’s Asian-American identity and his mastery of American sportswear.
Emotions were high before the show, as Phillip Lim, the founder of 3.1 Phillip Lim, reflected on the journey that brought him back to the New York runway. The challenges faced by independent brands like 3.1 during the pandemic were immense, yet Lim demonstrated remarkable perseverance. Not only did he adapt his fashion line to the changing times by incorporating home wear and scaling back ready-to-wear collections, but he also became a vocal advocate against the surge of anti-Asian violence during COVID-19. Born and raised in California, Lim decided to highlight 3.1’s New York roots in recent seasons, a decision reflected in the front row presence of Awkwafina and Sherry Cola, wearing 3.1 sweatshirts featuring a blend of the brand logo and iconic NYC landmarks.
The Spring/Summer 2024 collection served as an opportunity for Lim to reinforce 3.1’s connection to New York and his own Asian-American heritage while reminding the fashion community of his talent for reinventing American sportswear. This talent was evident in the cleverly designed extra-wide-legged khakis, unconventionally cut denim jackets, and breezy scarf dresses adorned with graphic patterns inspired by NYC architecture. Also featured were pajama sets playfully embellished with crystals and leggings cropped below the knee with a deep folded-over waistline, adding a touch of sophistication to streetwear-inspired workout gear.
A notable surprise in the collection was the plethora of full-length dresses. Although eveningwear is not typically a focal point for Lim, the dresses that graced the runway revealed a unique and intriguing perspective. From black gauze dresses ruched at the bodice to lush floral prints that gradually faded towards the hem, there was a distinct absence of formality and rigidity in his special occasion dresses. This relaxed approach extended to the entire collection, contrasting with other shows where the disconnect between the runway and real life left audiences feeling detached. Thankfully, Lim’s collection did not suffer from this issue, reaffirming the importance of his presence in the fashion world.
Read more: Craig Green Spring/Summer 2024
©Photo: 3.1 Phillip Lim
