Wen Zhou
Chief Executive, 3.1 Phillip Lim
The formidable executive helped grow a fledgling American designer label into a global contemporary brand in a few short years.
As chief executive of 3.1 Phillip Lim , Wen Zhou has earned the respect of the industry for her entrepreneurial mindset and can-do attitude, propelling the Phillip Lim business from fledgling start-up to international fashion brand — with retail stores in Tokyo, New York and Los Angeles and annual revenues exceeding $100 million.
Zhou’s skills in fabric sourcing and production management, as well as her sound business judgment, have enabled 3.1 Phillip Lim to offer a winning proposition, combining a strong fashion point-of-view, quality construction and more accessible price points, enabled by made-in-China production sourced via Zhou’s strong relationships in Asia.
Zhou told Time magazine, “The thing I remember from childhood is the soothing sound of my mother's sewing machine putting me to sleep. I came from a town that had no plumbing, no heat, we were simply looking to survive. I wanted to do better."
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#BoFLIVE: Independent Designers on Their New Reality
A live discussion and audience Q&A on how the industry's self-made labels are navigating this unprecedented pandemic, exclusively for BoF Professional Members.
#BoFLIVE: Independent Designers on Their New Reality
A live discussion and audience Q&A on how the industry's self-made labels are navigating this unprecedented pandemic, exclusively for BoF Professional Members.
Fashion Has a Diversity Problem on the Business Side, Too
BoF examined the 15 largest public companies in fashion and found that diversity is lacking at the highest levels of leadership.
Fashion Has a Diversity Problem on the Business Side, Too
BoF examined the 15 largest public companies in fashion and found that diversity is lacking at the highest levels of leadership.
5 Tips for Fashion Success from Phillip Lim's CEO
The formidable executive helped grow the American designer label into a globally renowned brand in four years. How did she do it?
5 Tips for Fashion Success from Phillip Lim's CEO
The formidable executive helped grow the American designer label into a globally renowned brand in four years. How did she do it?
Fashion Industry Reacts to 'Devastating' Trump Victory
Members of the fashion community, from Diane von Furstenberg to Hari Nef, share their immediate reactions to the US presidential election result, with many voicing defiance in the face of uncertainty.
Fashion Industry Reacts to 'Devastating' Trump Victory
Members of the fashion community, from Diane von Furstenberg to Hari Nef, share their immediate reactions to the US presidential election result, with many voicing defiance in the face of uncertainty.
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The BoF community gathered in New York to hear forward thinkers inside and outside fashion discuss the challenges — and opportunities — facing the industry.
New York Hosts Latest VOICES Conversation Ahead of BoF's Flagship Event in December
The BoF community gathered in New York to hear forward thinkers inside and outside fashion discuss the challenges — and opportunities — facing the industry.
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Donald Trump is turning the American political process into a reality show, and forgetting that thriving industries in the US like fashion are built in no small part by the work of immigrants and their offspring, writes BoF's Imran Amed.
Donald Trump for President: America, Is This a Joke?
Donald Trump is turning the American political process into a reality show, and forgetting that thriving industries in the US like fashion are built in no small part by the work of immigrants and their offspring, writes BoF's Imran Amed.
New Era for Chinese Fashion Manufacturers
China’s colossal manufacturing sector faces higher costs at home, cheaper competition abroad and a global economic slowdown. But business is booming for those who can adapt.
New Era for Chinese Fashion Manufacturers
China’s colossal manufacturing sector faces higher costs at home, cheaper competition abroad and a global economic slowdown. But business is booming for those who can adapt.
Announcing VOICES, BoF’s Annual Gathering For Big Thinkers
At a standing room-only event in Hong Kong, BoF revealed its plans for an annual, invitation-only, global fashion industry gathering called VOICES. The inaugural event will take place in December 2016.
Announcing VOICES, BoF’s Annual Gathering For Big Thinkers
At a standing room-only event in Hong Kong, BoF revealed its plans for an annual, invitation-only, global fashion industry gathering called VOICES. The inaugural event will take place in December 2016.
At the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, Winning Isn't Everything
It’s been more than 10 years since the most famous of fashion competitions was born, but what role does ‘the Fund’ play in today’s fashion landscape? BoF gets an exclusive, inside look at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.
At the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, Winning Isn't Everything
It’s been more than 10 years since the most famous of fashion competitions was born, but what role does ‘the Fund’ play in today’s fashion landscape? BoF gets an exclusive, inside look at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.
Christopher Kane, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Erdem & Roksanda on Turning 10 Years Old
A decade after they launched, Christopher Kane, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Erdem and Roksanda have emerged as five of the world's most promising young fashion businesses. What are their strategies for the future?
Christopher Kane, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Erdem & Roksanda on Turning 10 Years Old
A decade after they launched, Christopher Kane, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Erdem and Roksanda have emerged as five of the world's most promising young fashion businesses. What are their strategies for the future?
What is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
