3.1 on 11.3

As promised from last week I thought I'd introduce you to the world of 3.1 Philip Lim.

I was so excited when I got this top... not only because I got a killer deal on it, but because it was perfect for my Singapore/Bali vacation.  Light, and breezy with handcrafted embroidery details  it was the perfect wardrobe choice for the craftsman oriented island.

Embroidered detail on 3.1 Philip Lip top

It's no surprise that Philip Lim was the perfect choice for a trip to Southeast Asia... it's the designers homeland.  Philip Lim was actually born in Cambodia, and came to the United States (Southern California to be exact) in 1973 when his family fled from Cambodia's Civil War.

Philip Lim worked for Barney's before deciding he wanted to make fashion of his own (How fitting that Barney's is now one of the many major department stores to carry his line).  After this realization, he set himself up with an internship with Katayone Adeli, even with no formal training or portfolio.  By pure tenacity and talent, Philip eventually ended up on the design team.  It wasn't until 2005 that Philip (aged 31) along with his business partner Wen Zhou traversed the country and set up shop in SoHo, New York to launch his own collection 3.1 Philip Lim.  Now, the brand produces both men's and women's ready-to-wear, shoes, and handbags. In the 5 short years the company has been in business, Lim has managed to become one of the most successful contemporary designers in the world, even earning himself a CFDA Swarovski Award in 2007 for women's wear.

3.1 Philip Lim Fall 2011 from Style.com

3.1 Philip Lim Resort 2012 from Style.com

3.1 Philip Lim Spring 2012 from Style.com

Its no surprise he's done so well. His vision on fashion is one that is simple and genius all at the same time.  He states it best in that his clothes are meant to "refine, not define" the wearer.  Refine is the perfect word. Pieces from his collection instantly make any look pulled together, fresh, and sleek with just enough detail to give it that "designer" look in a completely effortless way. The use of high quality fabrications, and unique embellishments all combine to  form a so unidentifiable that it's identifiable high fashion style.  That almost couture detailing is what also puts this contemporary line at almost couture prices.  With the timeless quality of his designs though, 3.1 Phillip Lim is worth the investment.