3.1 Phillip Lim’s Merino Series collection is now available to buy, marking the label’s most natural collection to date as the designer strikes a sustainable balance and goes fur-free.
“Sustainability is really about balance, not perfection,” says designer Phillip Lim. “It starts small, with the knowledge that we can do the most good when we hold ourselves, and each other, personally accountable. I am looking at what is possible for my brand and trying to make the changes that I think will eventually amount to a greater shift.”
As an increasing number of brands embark on a journey of sustainable design practices, 3.1 Phillip Lim has recognised the need for positive change, reducing its use of man-made fibres by 22% since its last collection. In fact, The Merino Series is made from 73% Merino wool, and 82% of the collection is in fact created from natural fibres. Merino wool has become an integral part of Phillip Lim’s sustainability mission, along with the introduction of recycled fibres.
3.1 Phillip Lim The Merino Series
Furthering this push to elevate sustainable design practices, Lim has also banned fur from his range, opening new opportunities to innovate with natural fibres, such as Australian Merino wool, developing a wool Sherpa fabric to the FW19 collection as a natural fur alternative.
Innovatively knitted from Merino wool, shearling-like fabric is then cropped and brushed to replicate a traditional shearling look and feel. By using Merino wool, Phillip Lim’s Sherpa fabric replaces the need for animal furs or hides; maximizing wool’s natural benefits such as superior warmth, breathability and odor resistance.
“The decision to ban fur, from an ethical and environmental perspective, speaks to our commitment to remain true to this ethos and listen to our customers: environmentally conscious, global citizens who shop with their values top of mind.”
Left: Banning fur, 3.1 Phillip Lim innovates with Merino wool to create a Wool Sherpa fabric. Right: Wool Denim fabric features in The Merino Series.
Continuing to push the boundaries of textile innovation, a range of wool denim has also been included in The Merino Series. Wool denim fabrics are finished in the same way as traditional denim, offering the same aesthetic, but offering all the natural benefits associated with wool. Renowned for its warmth, wool is also resistant to odor, meaning garments composed of wool fibers require less laundering; saving time, energy and water to provide a more environmentally friendly denim solution.
“Sustainability is really about balance, not perfection,” Lim. “It starts small, with the knowledge that we can do the most good when we hold ourselves, and each other, personally accountable. I am looking at what is possible for my brand and trying to make the changes that I think will eventually amount to a greater shift.”
“On a personal level, it feels so rewarding to return to nature and rediscover the unlimited potential of the natural materials that exist in our natural world. My simple goal with our continuation of exploring Merino wool is to pivot from a mindset of age-specific seasonality to a season-less, timeless covetable cool.”
3.1 Phillip Lim The Merino Series
3.1 Phillip Lim’s 28-piece collection comprises a diverse range of silhouettes including wool fur, wool-rich denim, coats, blazers, sweaters, skirts, trousers, shorts, coats and accessories. This collection is focused on creating beautiful long-lasting, versatile, quality pieces and has gained the iconic Woolmark certification. The Merino Series can be purchased online at 31philliplim.com and key retailers including Lane Crawford, Saks Fifth Avenue, Net-a-Porter, Forty Five Ten, Harrods, Liberty, Holt Renfrew, Boon The Shop, Space Mue, Isetan Mitsukoshi and Tsum.