When fashion designer Phillip Lim shared that he was stepping down from his namesake label in mid-November after two decades at the helm as creative director, it marked the end of an era, sending a ripple effect through the industry. In a true reflection of the designer, it was met with an outpouring of love, respect and admiration. Since its inception, 3.1 Phillip Lim has embodied an inimitable zeitgeist in New York and beyond, forged by two close friends—each then 31 years old, Lim from southern California and his partner, Wen Zhou, from New York—united by a shared love for fashion.
“My mother and her sewing machine are my biggest influences as a creative and a human being. She is also my hero. I was lucky that I had a parent who allowed me to discover myself without being overbearing. My father was quite stylish, so his flamboyance was embedded in me early on as well,” he shares. The result of Lim’s palpable passion was a groundbreaking fusion of innovation and ease, a vision that captivated the fashion world with an approach that placed women at its heart. It also sparked a movement for a league of Asian-American designers of the time, cementing the region’s contribution to innovation, beauty and the future.
In the time since, life has looked different for the 51-year-old. As we speak, Lim, who is an architecture aficionado, is renovating his beach shack on Long Island and travelling through Thailand—Koh Yao Noi, Chiang Mai and Bangkok—spending time with majestic elephants at Ran-Tong Elephant Sanctuary, discovering the beautiful Wat Arun Pagoda, and creating amulet charm necklaces in embodiment of his next chapter.
“My life looks like reconnecting with friends and family, exercise, speaking to people who are approaching me with interesting opportunities that I would have never had the time to consider, and taking trips to places that have been on my bucket list,” he shares. This journey marks the beginning of Chapter 3, as Lim describes it—a passage from a story told into one of boundless exploration and personal discovery. Here, in conversation with Vogue Singapore, Lim reflects on the lessons he has learnt, the deep sense of purpose that now guides him and the exciting ventures that await on the horizon.
Hi Phillip, what has the last month looked like for you?
This last month has been one that I could never have predicted nor imagined. I recently stepped away from my brand 3.1 Phillip Lim, which I have lovingly spent the last 20 years building, so it feels a bit raw and surreal to even say this out loud. For the first time in 25 years, I don’t have a rigid schedule nor a concrete plan, so you could say that I am relearning how to be ‘unproductive’. It is a little uncomfortable not knowing what the next steps are, but at the same time, I feel like I can finally exhale without feeling the burden of constant pressure.
How would you describe the journey of the last 20 years?
It feels impossible to put into words because it has been a journey of a lifetime. It has been an adventure that has given me the endless wonderment of creativity, introduced me to my found family and community, taught me invaluable lessons in humility and humanity, and ultimately reinforced values that I will carry with me into the next chapter. I hope that my contribution made a slight difference in terms of representation in the fashion space.
“It has been an adventure that has given me the endless wonderment of creativity, introduced me to my found family and community, and taught me invaluable lessons in humility and humanity.”
Looking back, what would you say have been the highlights of this time and some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt along the way?
There have been so many lessons learnt along the way. Firstly, timing is everything. If you or your ideas are too early, the market is not open to them yet. If you are late, then the market is closed. Secondly, if you can, avoid using your personal name for the business because it can become ambiguous in the end. I can now say this from direct experience. There is no such thing as a singular model for business nor a one-size-fits-all solution. Your idea, your business, should be unique and from your POV; therefore, it requires a business model that you structure for its success. And finally, success comes in all forms. It could be anything you imagine. And the secret is, it’s your imagination. For me, fulfilment is success. It’s not about achieving a bigger business or more publicity. It’s about realigning with my authentic self. Your story is important. So document everything from the beginning because one day, it may be a valuable resource for the next generation.
As you step into a new phase, what are some projects or initiatives you’re working on?
Currently, I am devoting my time to the Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander mental health space because of the imminent need for our community to address a taboo subject like mental health. I am a co-founder of an initiative, Creating Space (@creatingspace_community), where our mission is to reimagine mental health sustenance in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community by fostering and destigmatising intergenerational and intersectional mental health conversations. We offer free community events featuring expert panel discussions, interactive audience sessions and experiential workshops.
What motivates your passion for spearheading these projects?
The commonality that weaves through the various projects is about harnessing creativity to build community. From fashion, food, interior design to mental health, all my initiatives are intrinsically related. I am a firm believer in the superpower of creativity as being a powerful vehicle to engage, bring together like hearts and minds and therefore, contribute towards a positive society.
What is the core driving force behind your sense of purpose and how does it shape the way you approach each day?
I am still developing and learning about myself. The words ‘authenticity’ and ‘balanced equity’ are prominent in my decision-making process currently. Every decision we make is a 50:50 chance of an unknown outcome, but if we are intentional about our authenticity, then at least the chances will be towards a direction that aligns with our desired outcome.
Mental health is often overlooked in fashion, yet you’re an advocate for it. How do you take care of yourself in such a fast-paced industry?
In fast-paced industries like fashion, we work relentlessly and are expected to constantly come up with the new and next—and this adds up to burn-out. I can say this from experience and it becomes a slippery slope if you do not address it while you feel it happening to yourself. The best thing you can do is to have boundaries around how much you are capable of and learn to say ‘no’. Saying ‘no’ isn’t letting people down; it is about allowing yourself to refuel and have a chance at enjoying the creative marathon. I have come to see the word ‘no’ as my ally.
You’ve also been a huge advocate for Asian representation. As the industry evolves, how much of the landscape do you think has changed?
There has definitely been progress in representation in the fashion industry; however, the issue is the fickleness or trend of representation. If you think about all the big fashion brands and the creative directors who play musical chairs in those houses, there is still the same general profile in terms of race and gender denomination. So, unless consumers demand change with their wallets, progress will never be guaranteed.
What would be your advice to a young designer starting out now?
My advice to aspiring creatives is to trust your instincts. Because as designers, as creators, as makers, you’re born with this natural ability or natural instincts. And there’s no one way of defining success. It’s about how you choose to define it.
How would you describe your creative process—across mediums—today?
Asymmetrical is the best way to describe my process. I never box in or stay rigid with how I begin a creative endeavour. It depends on what’s in front of me and therefore influences the approach.
What does the word ‘resolution’ mean to you and what is yours for 2025?
The root word is ‘resolute’ which feels too permanent and impossible to sustain, so how I approach it is more of a journey in the direction of that which may take more than a calendar year. Mine is to simplify and get back to a place of creative play. Play is the purpose of how I was able to arrive at where I am now. Playing created an opportunity for me and I want to get back to play.
And finally, what’s next?
I cannot say for sure at this moment, but whatever it is, you can bet that it involves ‘play’ once more. I remain open to interesting conversations and ideas.
Vogue Singapore’s January/February ‘Resolution’ issue is now out on newsstands and available online.
