What began as a somewhat drab, menswear inspired collection, 3.1 Phillip Lim had me smiling by the end of the show. What looked like extras out of Gangs of New York, models donned loose fitting trousers, shorts, tie neck blouses, and plaids. Neutrals, greys and blacks told a very downtown story. Bow ties, suspenders and fingerless gloves added a dose of poor boy chic.

Enter the feminine Phillip Lim girls in chili pepper and turquoise frocks, worn underneath expertly tailored ...