After Phillip Lim’s November departure from the namesake label he founded, 3.1 Phillip Lim has finally announced a successor: Michelle Rhee.

Rhee, a Los Angeles-born Korean-American designer who has previously worked at Marc Jacobs, Derek Lam and Area (as well as her own self-titled brand) has been named head of design; her first collection will be Spring 2026.

“3.1 Phillip Lim has always stood for a modern elegance that feels effortless, yet deeply meaningful — a balance of strength, softness and cultural resonance,” said Rhee in a press release. “I’ve long admired the brand’s ability to shape the way people express themselves through clothing, while staying true to its roots in community and creativity.”

Co-founder and CEO Wen Zhou oversaw the transition period and explained that, as the company enters its 21st year of business, it has no intentions of reinventing the brand’s identity with Rhee’s new appointment. It is “3.1 re-rooted,” said Zhou in a statement. “This next era is deeply personal. 3.1 Phillip Lim will continue to be led by Asian American women across the creative and business sides, reflecting the values that have always been at the heart of the brand.”

Rhee added, “I feel honored to carry forward that heritage and excited to imagine what the next chapter of 3.1 can look like — one that continues to celebrate resilience, identity and the beauty of everyday dressing elevated.”

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