Phillip Lim’s Limited-Edition Drop Is All About Sharing Joy
The New York-based designer collaborated with Baileys on the 3.1 Phillip Lim x Baileys Mini Market Tote that debuted during his September 8 NYFW show.
Since shaking up the style scene almost 20 years ago, Phillip Lim of 3.1 Phillip Lim has displayed his dedication to crafting sophisticated wardrobe staples for the modern-day global citizen. Across menswear, womenswear, accessories and beyond, the industry veteran applies an elevated approach to accessible luxury fashion that inspires style mavens to stay à la mode even when on the move. From season to season, Lim leaves his touch on the fashion landscape and as he marks a milestone anniversary during New York Fashion Week, he celebrates the major moment with a collaboration with Baileys.
Staying true to his commitment of creating chic closet mainstays for the on-the-go go-getter, Lim debuted the limited edition 3.1 Phillip Lim x Baileys Mini Market Tote at his Sunday show. Adorned with fringe accents all over, the bag boasts black dome stud details against pebbled beige leather, matching the cream-colored palette of Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur. The exclusive tote – crafted with custom interior pockets to fit three Baileys Minis – not only seamlessly meshed well with the Spring/Summer 2025 looks seen on the runway, it also captured the core of the collection and show that Lim so carefully curated.
“[Now] that I’m approaching 20 years [in the industry], my biggest inspiration was [that] I wanted to get back to sharing the pleasure, sharing the joy,” the New York-based designer shares. “I had this idea of joy as the inspiration for the show and when we started talking to our Baileys family, with the three-pack [of Baileys Minis] you’re not having that by yourself, you’re sharing it with friends, you’re sharing that joy with them.”
The cheerful energy Lim aimed to channel was felt throughout the entirety of the September 8 show held in the center of Chelsea. Amidst the runway range of flowing midi and maxi dresses, unconventional denim silhouettes and dazzling displays of silver statement pieces, the 3.1 Phillip Lim x Baileys Mini Tote marked its NYFW debut and directly after, Lim received his flowers for an almost two-decade long career in fashion.
Paolo Lanzi And 3.1 Phillip Lim
“When I have a moment to reflect [like now] on my [almost 20-year long career] it’s quite emotional because the show is about honoring the people who have brought me joy,” Lim says. “[It's about] the people that have allowed me to create the dreams to manifest all the ideas [I have.] It’s an emotional show because it’s been 20 years. [It's not about] looking back but looking forward and at the same time being present to celebrate each other and sharing the pleasure of the show and sharing the pleasure of Baileys.”
In an interview with Hypebae below, Phillip Lim of 3.1 Phillip Lim discussed his partnership with Baileys, his reflections on his 20-year-long career and how he recharges, resets and refreshes during the hustle and bustle of NYFW.
How did this collaboration with Baileys come about?
We’ve been working together on projects for years now. [This collaboration] was an organic evolution of our relationship. [What we’ve done before] has always orbited fashion but has never been in the show actually so it was this season that we [decided to take it there.]
Talk to me about the 3.1 Phillip x Baileys Mini Market Tote that’s designed to prepare people for a fabulous night ahead and allow them to “Share the Pleasure” with those closest to them.
Everything we do as a brand is always made for the global citizen living a life that is so multi-dimensional and so multi-textual. They have to do so many different things [during the day]. In the morning, there might be boardroom meetings and then at night a cocktail hour, so you always have to be prepared. This exclusive 3.1 Phillip x Baileys Mini Market Tote, that is customized to fit a three-pack of Baileys Minis, is not only a carrier for that but also it’s a bag for a night on the town or a picnic with friends where you’re sharing joy.
What is your go-to cocktail during fashion month and why?
Recently it’s been a Baileys latte with tonic and orange rhyme. It’s refreshing, it’s a pick me up and also it’s sexy. It’s very playful and all part of that joy.
Where did the verbiage of “Share the Pleasure” or “Share the Joy” come from for the collectible?
I had this idea of joy and sharing joy as inspiration for the show. When we started talking to our Baileys family and the three pack was brought up, you’re not having that by yourself, you’re sharing that with friends, so you’re sharing the pleasure and sharing the joy. It just worked out super organically.
Talk to me about your SS25 show.
The show was quite personal. I’m not one to look back because I’m always looking forward and being present but there was an archival moment that was reimagined. It’s that “if you know, you know” which was exciting for me. It’s an orbit of all the signatures I’ve worked around.
Apart from NYFW, how does it feel to hit 20 years in the industry?
I can’t even fathom that and I say that so authentically. It feels like I [started] yesterday because there’s always something new to learn in this industry and there’s never a dull moment. But at the same time, [I think to myself] “where has the time gone?” It’s kind of like dog years. After 20 years, I guess I’m an elder statesman now and I’ll meet people who will tell me “you were my first bag” or “my first graduation dress.”
What have been your biggest takeaways after almost as a designer?
Perhaps not the biggest, but the most important realization that I’ve learned is how important representation is. How important [it is to be] inclusive and that we bring people [that look like us] into the room and create space for each other in the world. I think that’s also why I find that aligning with Baileys is so fluid as well because that’s what they represent. I think that’s one of the most important learnings I’ve had since holding this position. I like to make sure that other folks are included, not just folks like myself. We all have to be at the table and it has to beautiful, colorful and delicious.
