Phillip Lim

Phillip Lim debuted his eponymous brand, 3.1 Phillip Lim, in fall 2005, bucking the ostentatious runway trends of the time. His line of youthfully elegant wardrobe classics with a twist was an instant sensation and adored by critics, editors and fashionistas alike. Widespread recognition of Lim's talent and other accolades quickly followed, including the 2006 Fashion Group International's Women's Designer "Rising Star" Award, the 2007 Council of Fashion Designers of America Swarovski Award in Womenswear, the 2012 CFDA Swarovski Award in Menswear and the 2013 CFDA Award for Accessories Designer of the Year. After more than 10 years as creative director, Lim finds himself at the helm of a pioneering luxury brand of womenswear, menswear, accessories and shoes, making him one of the most talented and successful young designers today.

Lim was born in Thailand in 1973 to Chinese immigrants who fled to Southern California to escape Cambodia's civil war. In California, Lim's mother found work as a seamstress. While his mother had an early influence on his ethos, Lim did not at first fantasize of becoming a designer. He studied finance for three years before realizing his true calling and switching to a degree in home economics.

While unpacking boxes at a weekend job at Barneys New York in Beverly Hills, Lim came across a designer named Katayone Adeli and had an epiphany. He called Adeli's office and asked for work. Despite not knowing what a portfolio was, he was awarded an internship and, through his innate talent and tenacity, he earned a position with her design team. When Adeli relocated to New York, Lim remained in the Los Angeles area and co-founded his first label, Development. After four years at Development, Lim moved to New York and launched 3.1 Phillip Lim with business partner and friend Wen Zhou.