Interview

Looks from Phillip Lim

For Fall/Winter 2009, Phillip Lim channeled late 60s rock 'n roll, suiting his models to the tune of the catchiest moments of Biba, Bowie, and Beatlemania. But the sharper-than-thou tailoring on his blazers and pipe-legged pants was rivaled only by the eye-catching contrast of the bracelets, rings, and earrings that glittered amongstlayers of leather and fur. You guessed it: Phillip is doing jewelry now, and he's doing it in a big way, thanks to Cartier. His runway jewelry pieces previewed the new "100" collection, a new Cartier line that revives the label's iconic, three-tiered "Trinity" ring—as Phillip probably knows, David Bowie never takes his off. By keeping with the playful vintage spirit of his new collection, Phillip imbues his versions of the Cartier classic with the same fond nostalgia: 100 star-shaped diamonds—one for each year of Cartier's legacy—dot each ring, earring, and bangle. And while Alexander Wang's new urbane grunge jewelry and accessories may be priced to sell, Phillip's wearable patriotic pop art will cost you upwards of $1,700. Still, his glam baubles make skipping a month's rent—how rock 'n roll recession?—seem worth consideration.


The Trinity 100 Collection hits stores this week.