Phillip Lim's Prescription for Recession: Party
When the recession has got everyone down, there may be only one way to react. Party. This might be designer Philip Lim’s thinking during this tough economic season. The New York-based designer, who grew up in California, produced a gala celebrity-studded party at his 3.1 phillip lim boutique on July 15. He and a crowd of 250 fashion people celebrated the first-year anniversary of his 5,000 square-foot store at 631 N. Robertson Blvd. in West Hollywood, Calif.
Lim said a good party was one way to beat the recession blues and even take a reality check. “You roll with the punches,” he said of throwing a gala during tough economic times. “You celebrate the opportunities you have.”
Big fashion parties have been increasingly rare, said Henri Myers, owner and director of public relations and special events at Los Angeles-based eM Productions Press, a full-service fashion marketing and events- production company. “No one wants to put extra funds into a promoting a store. Everyone is focused on sales,” he said. The cost of producing of a store gala can range from $3,000 to $80,000, he said.
Hollywood and music stars helped Lim party, along with Los Angeles fashion boutique-owners. Musicians Jewel and Eve appeared at the party. Party co-host and actor Rachel Bilson browsed through the boutique’s racks with Lim. Also partying at the store were Cameron Silver, owner of the high-profile Decades boutique, as well as Michael Mente, co-owner of e-fashion boutique Revolve Clothing. Bilson and Vogue magazine hosted the party to benefit arts organization The Art of Elysium. The crowd danced the night away to rock band The Duke Spirit and DJ Myles Hendrik. Celebrated folk rocker Devandra Banhart also DJed.
Phillip Lim
Jewel
Michael Mente of Revolve Clothing
