Phillip Lim Exits 3.1 Phillip Lim

Designer Phillip Lim is stepping down as creative director of 3.1 Phillip Lim, the New York-based contemporary brand he co-founded in 2005 alongside chief executive Wen Zhou, who will take sole control of the brand.

“As the brand moves into a new chapter, we are so proud of what we have built and the strength of genuine community around us … This moment marks a turning point for both of us, each with new goals and different visions for the future,” said Lim and Zhou in a joint statement.

Lim will “pursue new ventures,” according to the statement.

The move comes after the label celebrated 20 years in business at its Spring/Summer 2025 runway in September, showing a mix of lace tops, zippered jeans and wrap skirts. Lim rose to prominence in the early 2000s alongside a wave of Asian-American designers — including Jason Wu, Derek Lam and Alexander Wang. At 3.1 Phillip Lim, he found a sweet spot with easy-to-wear, but design-forward clothes at accessible prices. The brand has not yet announced a new creative director.

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