Phillip Lim joined his fellow Slaysians on stage at last month’s CFDA Awards to receive the organisation’s first-ever Positive Social Impact Award. Lim and his friends were moved by the anti-Asian violence they witnessed in New York to create a superhero troupe slash support network to fight the issue by raising awareness. Lim also helped start a GoFundMe to support the AAPI Community Fund, which has raised over $7 million to date—no small feat.
During a pre-fall date, Lim talked about his adopted hometown. “It’s us putting our pillars in concrete,” he says, “reinventing who we are as a New York brand and leaning towards it.” The collaged T-shirt with the Statue of Liberty intertwined with the New York logo speaks volumes And clear. Other references were more subtle, talking about the way certain New York women dress, creating casual styles based on versatility, practicality, and accessories.
For versatility, the MA-1 Bomber is paneled denim reversed in shiny navy satin. Because statement coats are a must, even in the hottest months of the year, he cut great military jackets with lifted rope details on the pockets. Boots may seem out of fashion to outsiders, but anyone who has walked the streets of Lower Manhattan knows that boots are a year-round must-have in these places. A zip that extends to the toe and a rounded, cushioned sole give them a unique and functional spin. The lace tank dress isn’t a must-have, but it’s proving to be a useful layering technique with everything from oversized trousers to ’90s-inspired tee dresses. From dirty90 fuzzy sweaters to Victorian-inspired puff-sleeved shirred skirts, the mix of references felt true to the spirit of New York.
In other news, Lim said he was praying he would be back on the show by September.
