Phillip Lim: The Beauty of Becoming Who We Are

“You can re-imagine anything.” This was life advice that fashion designer Phillip Lim was given by his mother. His family escaped the Khmer Rouge and came to America as refugees. They had no resources and had to start over from scratch. Somehow, Phillip rose to become one of the most successful fashion designers in the world. He started his label 3.1 Phillip Lim with his business partner when they were both just 31 years old.
In this heartfelt episode of House Call, we catch Phillip in a moment of evolution, surprising the fashion world by stepping away from his company and starting a new, unknown chapter in his life. As he opens up about his continuous journey of becoming, of re-imagining his life, Phillip and the Surgeon General ponder: how do you distinguish between success and fulfillment? How does being part of a community help our mental health? Why is creativity and sense of play so important? What is the connection between beauty and the values we live?
While they come from very different worlds of medicine and fashion, Phillip and the Surgeon General are both guided by love of community, a desire to help others, and the inspiration of their mothers.
(02:46)  What role has Phillip Lim’s mom played in his life?
(06:20)  How did Phillip Lim maintain a sense of optimism in his early life?
(09:20)  How did curiosity and creativity put Phillip Lim on an unexpected path?
(15:27)  How did Phillip Lim navigate the competitive world of fashion?
(18:54)  What practices does Phillip Lim use to stay grounded?
(23:02)  What is the difference between success and fulfillment for Phillip Lim?
(26:33)  How can we find the courage to make big life changes?
(31:58)  How is Phillip Lim building community and advocating for mental health?
(42:32)  What message does Dr. Murthy have for Phillip Lim’s mother?
(48:05)  Phillip Lim asks Dr. Murthy for advice on empowering others to be seen, heard, and show up for each other.
We’d love to hear from you! Send us a note at housecalls@hhs.gov with your feedback & ideas. For more episodes, visit www.surgeongeneral.gov/housecalls.

Phillip Lim, Fashion Designer & Mental Health Advocate
Instagram: @therealphilliplim @creatingspace_community @morethanourbellies @nytougherthanever

Fashion designer and Creative Director, Phillip Lim, was born to Chinese parents. A weekend job at Barneys South Coast Plaza led to an internship with Katayone Adeli, and eventually, a position on her design team. When Adeli relocated to New York, Lim remained in Los Angeles and co-founded his first label, Development. After four years at Development, Lim relocated to New York to launch 3.1 Phillip Lim where he spent 20 years at the helm of the pioneering, modern luxury brand before departing in late 2024 to pursue new ventures.Lim is recognized as one of the most talented and successful American designers in the fashion industry. He is the recipient of several prestigious industry honors including the Fashion Group International's Women’s Designer ‘Rising Star’ Award, the CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear, the CFDA Swarovski Award for Menswear, and the CFDA Award for Accessories Designer of the Year.Beyond the label, Lim has become a leader, author, entrepreneur, and recognized community advocate. In 2021, he led the #STOPASIANHATE movement, co-founding a GoFundMe initiative that has raised over $7,000,000 to date. Lim continued growing his personal projects in 2021, launching the “House of Slay” alongside his best friends. The House of Slay established a community that served as a safe, inclusive space for underrepresented voices from all walks of life. The group was honored at the 2022 CFDA Awards with the CFDA Positive Social Influence Award. And in 2023, Lim co-founded Creating Space, a grassroots organization aimed at bringing attention and healing to the mental health crisis affecting the AAPI community.