by POPSUGAR Fashion 2

What began as a somewhat drab, menswear inspired collection, 3.1 Phillip Lim had me smiling by the end of the show. What looked like extras out of Gangs of New York, models donned loose fitting trousers, shorts, tie neck blouses, and plaids. Neutrals, greys and blacks told a very downtown story. Bow ties, suspenders and fingerless gloves added a dose of poor boy chic.

Enter the feminine Phillip Lim girls in chili pepper and turquoise frocks, worn underneath expertly tailored double breasted coats. Loose layers and sheer fabrics penetrate the earlier masculine air. Two black leather jackets shine - one in soft buttery leather, one in patent leather. An optical red dot print emerges, almost out of nowhere, and brings a graphic element into the mix. Perhaps the most impressive part about this collection is these pieces will be half the price of the other designers' pieces we're seeing - something to look forward to.

You all voted for Lim as the FabSugar Designer of 2006 - Will he maintain his reign?

To see all my coverage from New York Fashion Week Fall 2007 click here.

To view the entire collection, read more

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