3.1 Phillip Lim has earned his racing stripes this season, with a tour de force collection destined to provide a real rush. I already felt it as the models took to the runway, each one styled after a speed demon’s girlfriend out of Lim’s own fantasy. I’ll be that racecar driver’s girl if it means I can have her 3.1 Phillip Lim F/W 2013 wardrobe!
Lim doesn’t just have a keen eye for color and textures; his is unparalleled in a contemporary designer. Rich teal and offbeat pink femmed up the brash, boxy overcoats and roomy shorts, and techno fabrics wow the eye. Though more than anything, this collection is about leather. From an embossed neoprene overcoat with a detachable leather bib to limb-climbing boot-sandals paired with biker-wrapped miniskirts, all of the motorcycle details (common on the Fall runways) have been imagined in new ways. Imbued into sweatshirts, vests, even a molded blazer (courtesy of a bike snap), this is Harley inspiration like we’ve never seen. Topping a leather jacket with a peplum adds softness and applying trompe l’oeil, for the mere illusion of layers, brings lightness.
If you didn’t take the hint the Lim girl is going places, and fast, just look at her bag. Slung across in an almost haphazard manner, the high-waisted crossbodys aren’t just for no-nonsense living: this is an important new style for the brand. Whether it’s via the mini Ryder in calfhair, double-compartment Racer, a snakeskin iPad bag or an ultra-petite ace case, she’s not going anywhere without her gear. I can’t wait to hang these styles high above my hip, but I’m also loving the adorable 31-Minute cosmetic bag, a fuzzy touch for the mile-a-minute closing look.
