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The designer
The designer
Photographed at the 3.1 Phillip Lim Studio in New York's Garment District
The designer Phillip Lim could be the ultimate designer for the times: His 3.1 Phillip Lim label, adored by fashion's elite for its understated chic, is priced just slightly under competing collections. Its revenues are 55% international, a hedge against slowing U.S. growth. And Lim's business partner, Wen Zhou -- they founded the company in 2004 -- is a savvy former importer-exporter whose sourcing relationships in China get them the best terms with factories. Lim now has four stores; men's, kids', and shoe lines in addition to womenswear; and high-profile followers. Here, Lim loyalist Kanye West, who dropped in to pick up some clothes, looks on as the designer styles model and MTV host Alexa Chung.

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Last updated September 09 2010: 12:10 PM ET
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