"TO thine own self be true," was the advice that Polonius gave his son in Shakepeare's Hamlet, but easier said than done - especially in fashion. Phillip Lim, though, took that message to heart for his spring show, offering smart updates to signature pieces from his line. Lim continued dedication to loose, insouciant sportswear separates in solid colours in the midst of a season that seems to be pushing brassy hues, hectic patterns, and a renewed interest in the dress.
Lim's show notes mentioned kites as the impetus for this collection, opening with an effortless, white top with pale pink pants with thick black stripes down the side. Easter egg pastels comprised most of the colour in the collection, with mauve and orange contrasting against a versatile piece in black and white. As usual, layering was a strong part of the designer's story, with elongated, sleeveless blazers and vests over gauzy, loose blouses and generously cut pants. A faded yellow anorak, bleached-out denim vest, and roomy shorts that stopped at the knee were standout pieces and suitable for a variety of customers. A filmy, opaque top was inlaid with strips of fabric, creating a novel take on stripes. Pattern was kept to a minimum, and garments were streamlined and airy, sleek without coming across as confrontational in their sophisticated mien.
There was an unaffected simplicity and innocence to the collection, an un-ironic view of Nineties minimalism, but with more heart. While trend analysts and street style hopefuls already have a long list of must-have pieces on their spring check list—peplums, mesh, showy florals, eye-catching colour—Lim remained confident that some shoppers won't fall victim to the ephemeral nature of trends, and that a timeless wardrobe is still the objective of many savvy consumers.
SEE THE PHILLIP LIM SHOW ARCHIVE