3.1 Phillip Lim SS 2016: A glorious celebration with a potent message
updated the 6 October 2015 à 22:28
The American designer celebrates a decade in fashion with a reflective collection and an artistic collaboration
After a decade long career in fashion, Phillip Lim has mindfully noted to “stop and smell the flowers.” Incidentally, that is the name of his Spring/ Summer 2016 Ready-to-Wear collection that was showcased at Pier 94 at New York Fashion Week.
Lim chose a good as time as any to reflect on his success as an independent fashion label. It is an impressive feat for the designer and his partner, Wen Zhou who both own the business together. This anniversary showcase not only celebrates Lim’s unique sense of fashion acumen, but also his success in creating covetable and attainable fashion.
In the raw industrial looking hangar sat mounds of earth in angular, pointed hills. This 200-ton installation, “Seven Earth Mountain”, was the result of the collaboration between Lim and eco-artist Maya Lin, who was behind the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C.
Lin’s uniformed sculptures of toxic-free, organic soil towered over the models – the flowers – reflecting the earthy and elemental inspired collection. With wrapped silk skirts and polished anoraks, Lim’s streetwear was both edgy feminine and athletica refined. Hardly minimal, the pieces were treated with asymmetrical cuts, mesh and ruffles that juxtaposed the soft feminine silks and floral motifs. Yet, the pieces worked in harmony with themselves, making the collection both artistically appealing and wearable.
In the pensive spirit of remembrance, the used soil will be donated to community gardens around New York City, a token to the city that has welcomed and celebrated Lim. The brand will also make a donation to the carbon fund to offset the carbon footprint of the installation.
At the end of it all, this runway show was more than a celebration, it also bore a potent message: pause and take it all in.
Amanda Lim
