Behold, the fifth and final nominee for FabSugar Designer of the Year: 3.1 Phillip Lim. This young designer is relatively new to the fashion scene, although those familiar with the label Development, would recognize his fresh tailoring and sweet blouses. In 2004, the designer left Development to start a new line with a friend, and now business partner, spawning 3.1 Phillip Lim. Interestingly, the 3.1 indicates the age the friends/partners were when they embarked on this endeavor: 31 years old.

This year the Fashion Group International acknowledged Lim by honoring him first place in Women’s Designer ‘Rising Star’ category. Next he was in the running for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award; he was beat by fellow FabSugar Designer of the Year nominee Doo.Ri. I have also noticed an increasing number of Hollywood starlets in his designs so get ready to see more of Lim.

And the clothes? His New York runway debut was his Spring '07 collection. Working almost exclusively in white, with shots of navy, as well as a colorful floral, Lim proved he's not only a romantic who can craft a handmade rosette decorated T-shirt dress, but also an accomplished tailor. Lim has a knack for combining dressy and casual - take a cotton voile strapless bell dress paired with a men's leather pilot vest, for instance; or a girlish jumper with an attached bodice made of sequins. Referring to this collection, Booth Moore, of the Los Angeles Times said, “This fashion week a star was born: Phillip Lim!” See for yourself:

Stick around to cast your vote later today! Make sure you have reviewed all the nominees for FabSugar Designer of the Year. We will all be able to witness the votes tabulate and you have to vote to see who wins! Happy Holidays Fab fans!

For the complete 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2007 collection, read more

Spring 2007:

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