Phillip Lim’s Fall 2009 Ready to Wear collection in New York last month had a certain, “Recession? What recession?” vibe, filled as it was with not only a packed house, but also with many “mod” pieces that would make Mary Quant take notice. This youthful show featured marabou, bohemian dresses, and coats – plenty of coats. In short, the look was about having fun and enjoying beautiful clothes when the rest of the world feels weary and unsafe.

Since 2005, Lim, with the help of venture capital from his friend and fabric dealer Wen Zhou, arrived on the scene and quickly won over critics and shoppers. With cinema’s “It” girls wearing his designs around New York, Phillip Lim was getting $12 million wholesale after only two seasons. The Lim look is girly and relaxed at the same time, with quirks like sequins and crystals adorning his latest confections. It just may not be possible to be anxious about the state of the world while wearing a Phillip Lim sequined minidress topped with marabou and black velvet.