NYFW SS20: 3.1 Phillip Lim

PHILLIP Lim is a designer who knows his brand values and his customers to the core. His choice to stage a co-ed show – his first in years – yesterday in a warehouse in Greenpoint, Brooklyn was smart, just like the collection itself.

Targeted to working women and men who crave an urban, versatile look, the 3.1 Phillip Lim SS2020 collection felt purposeful and interesting. His tailoring was the clear standout, including a long vest with a removable draped shoulder piece, shown with a midi skirt or matching trousers.

There also was a striking asymmetrical cut-out blazer with a detachable hood, as well as a just plain cool leather bandana shown with different looks for both genders.

Lim’s contributions to the sustainability conversation were also notable, continuing on from his work with his 40 per cent sustainable Resort collection earlier this summer.

For SS2020, he brought out new recycled and organic fabrics, including an organic cotton brown jumpsuit and a navy midi dress made from coated cupro, which looked almost leather-like from a distance. It was a step in the right direction in the wider industry dialogue about sustainability, producing beautiful pieces that are concomitantly good for the planet and wearable.

So much of fashion these days feels like a race: either to produce buy now, wear now collections at lightning speed or to be an active participant in the latest social media trend or socially aware cause du jour. It is good to see that there are actual conversations happening on the future of fashion with brands like 3.1 Phillip Lim making some real efforts to change how they do things to be on the right side of history.

by Jessica Quillin