Phillip Lim is leaving his namesake label 3.1 Phillip Lim. The beloved designer and his cofounder and CEO, Wen Zhou, took to Instagram early this morning to share they are parting ways. Lim’s exit is due to a need to “pursue new ventures,” but sudden nonetheless. His departure coincides with 3.1 Phillip Lim’s 20th anniversary celebration, marked by its Spring 2025 collection—which will be Lim’s last for the brand.
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- 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2025
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- 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2025
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- 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2025
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- 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2025
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- 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2025
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- 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2025
“As the brand moves into a new chapter, we are so proud of what we have built and the strength of genuine community around us,” Lim and Zhou shared. “Our shared vision and hard work has allowed us to stay independent and achieve remarkable success in a constantly changing and challenging industry. From the very beginning, our goal was to create something meaningful, and along the way, we realized we could also inspire positive change, champion creativity, responsibility, and collaboration. We are incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made for the past 20 years and for that we will be eternally thankful.”
Since 2005, Lim has been a mainstay in the New York fashion scene. The designer’s undeniably cool bags, womenswear, menswear, and accessories lines made him a bona fide success, owed to brand signatures like mixed materials, nonchalant silhouettes, and elevated takes on everyday pieces like trench coats, denim, and day-to-night bags (like his cult-favorite Pashli tote and ID satchel). His sharp taste influenced a range of projects, including hit collabs with Target, Bergdorf Goodman, Ugg, Shopbop, Baileys, Pacharee, and the opening of his chic NoHo flagship boutique on Great Jones Street.
3 1 Phillip Lim New York Fashion Week Fall Winter 2017 NY September 2017
However, this isn’t the end of 3.1 Phillip Lim, the brand! Zhou will remain at 3.1 Phillip Lim as its CEO, and the label—per the duo’s statement—will stay “in capable hands and we are certain it will continue to thrive.” Wishing you the best, Mr. Lim!
All images: Courtesy of 3.1 Phillip Lim
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