NY Fashion Designer Phillip Lim Branches into Shoes and Swimwear

Fashion Designer, Phillip Lim is expanding his line to include shoes, swimwear and lingerie, according to new reports. Just in time for summer, his three-piece bathing suit line will feature floral patchwork prints in three variations (two one-pieces, one bikini). A little background of this Chinese ancestry, he launched his collection with start-up cash from friend and fabric supplier Wen Zhou in 2004. Almost overnight, his line became both a critical and commercial darling. Lim’s coveted dresses were quickly spotted around town on "It" girls Natalie Portman and Kate Hudson, fueling demand upwards of $12 million wholesale by his third season. His womenswear look combines girlish refinement and laid-back ease with moments of quirky romance. Headbands splashed with Swarovski crystals and shift dresses adorned with pearls exemplify his burgeoning arty side and were rewarded with a CFDA award in 2007. Regarding the shoe line, which has emphasis on flats versus stilettos Lim said, "Everyone's making crazy shoes... so we were like, 'Let's do working shoes, but sophisticated and beautiful.'" Phillip Lim is also debuting five styles of lingerie and three styles of swimwear, to be sold under the name of "3.1 Phillip Lim Initials," WWD reports. Technorati Tags: Men Fashion, Men Fashion Designer, Designer Shoes, 3.1 Phillip Lim