In a surprise statement on Wednesday morning, Phillip Lim announced he’ll be stepping down as creative director at his namesake brand, 3.1 Phillip Lim, via the company’s Instagram. Lim is masterful at creating punchy garments that effortlessly toe the line between a cherished basic and harmonious statement piece. He co-founded the independent label with his longtime friend and current CEO, Wen Zhou, over 20 years ago.
“It is with great respect and gratitude for each other and our long partnership that we have decided to part ways at 3.1 Phillip Lim,” the post read. “This moment marks a natural turning point for both of us, each with new goals and different visions for the future.”
The statement goes on to say that Zhou will remain CEO and “sole proprietor” of the brand, while Lim will pursue “new ventures.” A representative for 3.1 Phillip Lim did not elaborate when asked for comment by the Cut. On his personal Instagram, Lim shared three cryptic posts, each of them displaying the phrase “It’s time to write a new story.” In a fourth post, Lim wrote “It has been an adventure of a lifetime, one that has given me the endless wonderment of creativity, introduced me to my found family/community … ” He continued by teasing, “See you in chapter 3.”
The brand was considered to be a fashion darling with a strong community fan base, building an entirely independent, multimillion-dollar franchise over two decades and racking up two CFDA awards in an industry that is increasingly hostile and merciless toward independent designers. Just earlier this year, Zhou told the Cut that she envisioned the brand would “outlive” her and “mean something to our community forever and ever.”
Spring 2025 will be Lim’s last collection with the brand.
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