Woolmark collaborates with Phillip Lim

The Woolmark Co. has announced its latest collaboration with contemporary designer Phillip Lim for a fall collection and ad campaign. For the collection, Lim sourced a selection of fabrics and yarns to create 24 womenswear pieces crafted of the finest quality merino wool. This also marks the first time Lim has design and produced a wool puffer coat.

“Our ‘Merino Series’ speaks to the spirit of individuality, a core tenet of the 3.1 Phillip Lim brand ethos,” said Lim to WWD. “For this capsule, we wanted to utilize wool in unexpected ways and reimagine its boundaries. We explored the character of a lavish nomad with colors, dusted by the sun, silhouettes patch-worked together and playful, exaggerated proportions — an eclecticism collected from travel and memory.

“Whether it is the oversized puffer coat, the checked suit, or the color-blocked panne-pressed trench, I found the breadth and possibility within the material to be quite compelling for the modern woman’s wardrobe,” he added.

Stuart McCullough, managing director of The Woolmark Co., told WWD that, “3.1 Phillip Lim is one of the fastest-growing contemporary luxury brands, providing beautiful, everyday pieces to modern consumers challenging the norm. The partnership between The Woolmark Co. and 3.1 Phillip Lim is a natural fit, with both brands’ ethos based on quality and integrity. In addition, the label’s signature mix of sophistication-meets-streetwear is further enhanced by merino wool’s innate versatility.”

The collection will be carried at Saks, Lane Crawford, Harrods, Selfridges, Net-a-Porter, Shopbop, Ssense.com.

Merino wool has become an increasingly popular fabric over the past several years. In February the Wall Street Journal reported that its use for everything from shoes to underwear briefs has pushed prices of merino wool to record highs. The demand doesn't seem to be slowing either as more brands incorporate it into their lines for all seasons.

photo: via Merino.com