After a four-year hiatus from the runway and the challenges of maintaining an independent brand during a pandemic, 3.1 Phillip Lim has made a triumphant comeback to the NYFW calendar. Born in Thailand to parents of Chinese descent, the show unfolded at 48 Bowery in Chinatown, paying homage to New York City and Philip Lim’s identity as an Asian American. As part of the House of Slay collective, Lim in his interim has been busy inspiring change and organizing his influential peers to give back to the AAPI community during the pandemic rise of xenophobic, anti-Asian violence and sentiment. The latest collection for S/S 24 celebrated the positive energy of New Yorkers that can come back from anything – from a sleeveless hoodie with “NY Lover” scrawled on it to bags adorned with the famous apple-shaped motif that read “NY.” Past that famous iconography, Dohyun Kim opened the show in a sheer cream dress adorned with sequins, paired elegantly with dainty ballet slippers and sheer socks. All of the pieces exuded wearability, featuring standout items like the red and white leather balloon blouses with dramatic splits, denim ensembles that cinched with waist belts, and ethereal silk dresses that shimmer and floated down the catwalk. Lim also infused his unique twist of American sportswear taking on familiar athleisure pieces with low-rise joggers and elevated leggings. Amidst the casually chic looks, the collection seamlessly integrated evening gowns, a new frontier, including black and yellow sheer dresses and enchanting floral prints. Industry icon Liya Kebede brought the show to a breathtaking conclusion in a monochromatic khaki look accentuated by coordinated accessories and complemented by silver capped, buttery leather boots. A refreshing note was the standout casting of models of all ages, thoughtfully curated by Drew Dasent, showcasing Lim’s commitment to cater to various women that make up his doting customers. Lim’s collection shone as a spirited highlight of the week, leaving us eagerly anticipating what’s next in this next era of creation.
