As for his background, one might say, fashion found Lim. While studying finance at California State University of Long Beach, it became evident that Lim was sitting in the wrong classroom. A switch in majors led to an internship at Katayone Adeli, which led to a full time job as design assistant. Lim parted ways with Katayone Adeli after assisting her for over a year and a half. Soon after he met his future partners, and quickly became co-founder and head designer of the label Development. After four years at Development, Lim, 31, departed to launch his most personal collection to date with business partner and friend, Wen Zhou, also 31. This meant switching coasts to New York, where he now works and resides.

3.l phillip lim's raison d'etre is making beautiful clothes with added touches of madness, striving towards the imperfection. The result is a creation of individual looks that are unexpected, unplanned, but completely relevant. Accordingly, Lim says, 3.I is about clothes that refine instead of define. A refinement that's a bit classic in attitude, but imparts a sense of individual style, without looking or feeling forced. Confident, unidentifiable, chic and most of all effortless."

For Lim, the design process begins by absorbing shapes, colors, and textures from his surroundings and personal experiences and mixing them with luxurious fabrics and thoughtful nuances. The fabrics include tissue weight cashmeres, laundered cottons, washed silks and brushed wools. Additional richness and life is added to the 3.I aesthetic through a complete range of accessories, including shoes, boots, belts, bags and seasonal signature accessories. Understated, cool, and polished, Lim continues to redefine the rules of fashion.