3.1 Phillip Lim

Designer fashion of Phillip Lim

Maybe it's because the 39-ycar-old Phillip Lim fashion darling's clothes are popping up on stars like Rachel Bilson and Natalie Port man. Maybe it's because Phillip Lim down-town style is both commercial (meaning you want to buy it) and unorthodox. Or maybe it's just that he's got the secret of good fashion sense: "Start with your quirk and build on it," he says. "You have to make fashion work for you" Whatever the reason, we're in love.

Phillip Lim, who started as an intern, saw an opportunity to do his own thing in 2005. The contemporary market was looking tame, and he came onto the scene fast and furious with the edgy 3.1 Phillip Lim (so named because both he and his business partner were 31 at the time). Since then, Phillip Lim's attitude-y and sometimes romantic collections—think slouchy floral trousers and tulip-shaped skirts—have become incredibly popular.

But Phillip Lim's designer fashion all about individuality: "Every day I'm surrounded by women who strive to present themselves stylishly" he says.They dress well because they highlight their quirks instead of hiding them. And that's where real designer fashion 3.1 Phillip Lim style comes from."

—Rajni LucienneJacques