There’s a new woman in charge at 3.1 Phillip Lim. Michelle Rhee recently started as creative director of the brand, and she can only describe the process as a “whirlwind.” As an Asian American designer, she understands the impact of the legacy Phillip Lim left behind when he stepped down and what the label means. “The brand has always stood for the Asian American community. There’s something that makes 3.1 Phillip Lim more dimensional and bigger picture than just the products,” said Rhee at a showroom appointment.
For her first official collection, she wanted to still focus on the craft and the roots of 3.1 Phillip Lim. She spent her early days in the archive studying the brand’s signature pieces like the asymmetrical hemlines and homed in on new details. This season, asymmetrical dresses featured buttery viscose yarn with fringe trimmings, adding a fun and modern touch. Closet basics like leather jackets and trench coats came in new trapeze styles to add dimension and a touch of ease, allowing the wearer to feel stylish without much effort. “To me, the pieces feel how I want to feel at the moment. There’s just a very awesome body and dimension, but everything comes in really rich fabrications,” said Rhee.
Looking ahead, Rhee wants to focus on building a wardrobe for the everyday woman in New York and beyond. “I want to bring elements of femininity, but still with that New York edge and street cool the brand is known for, but also bring in a moment of fresh air with relaxing silhouettes.”