“The accidental tourist” was how Phillip Lim described his muse for Resort. Curious, really, when you consider that the hustle and bustle of the city is what essentially drives his 3.1 brand—not faraway getaways. Still, it does feel as if Lim has gotten a taste for life outside the Big Apple lately, what with his new house on the North Folk of Long Island. It’s why rubber-soled boots came striding through his last men’s collection earlier this year. Styled with floppy hats, knee-high socks, and sturdy moccasins, there was a distinctly earthy groove to the new collection that felt right. Though it’s tough to unpack all the references, the 1970s vibe rung loud and clear, particularly in the silhouette: flared pantsuits, high-waisted shorts, and slim-cut leather shirting. Not to mention the reggae beat in the vibrant colors and prints. In fact, the deep red, marigold, and hunter green stripes running throughout seemed straight out of Rockers, the cult ’70s movie about the Jamaican scene.
With that in mind, you won’t be surprised to hear that there is a raffia and leather tote bag called Marley included in Lim’s latest accessories offering. A soulful, nomadic traveler has been on the horizon in fashion the past few seasons, and clearly Lim is tuned into that wanderlust. The sun-bleached tie-dyed denim trousers and jacket fit that freewheeling mood, too, and were standout pieces here. (Note to DIY fashion enthusiasts: Now is the time to brush up on your skills. The tie-dye motif has been popping up all season.) Lim is an expert at layering, and some of the exuberance of his new clothes was in the delightful mix of patterns and proportions. Take it all apart, though, and minimalist urbanites will find treasures to call their own, including charming Pierrot-style blouses, a nice alternative to the classic button-down shirt.
