NEW YORK − At New York Fashion Week, the stars gathered to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 3.1 Phillip Lim.

The show’s front row was filled with an impressive array of celebrities from various fields, including music, sports, and acting. Attendees included Alanis Morissette, Kyrie Irving, Nia Long, Tanner Adell, Daniel Dae Kim, Prabal Gurung, Rajon Rondo, and more, celebrating two decades of Phillip Lim’s creative journey during the showcase of his spring/summer 2025 collection on Sunday.

“Community always finds a way to come together, like birds of a feather flocking together. When I share my designs, it’s like a signal for my crowd,” Lim reflected backstage post-show. “The guests here have supported me through the years, returning every season. I’m truly thankful for that. What you witnessed was a blend of 20 years of our shared history.”

Morissette, recently off her summer Triple Moon tour, arrived ahead of schedule, taking photos in a cozy nook at the venue in the Meatpacking District before taking her seat between Nia Long and “And Just Like That” actress Sarita Choudhury.

Others who arrived early included singer Leon Bridges and actress Tika Sumpter, seated alongside singers Fireboy DML and Destin Conrad in the same row.

The NBA was also prominently featured, with Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving, Los Angeles Clippers player P.J. Tucker, and retired player Rajon Rondo attending. Irving and Tucker were among the last to take their seats before the show commenced, which Lim referred to as a “joyful return to origin” in his notes. Rondo stayed after to congratulate Lim backstage.

After marking his return to NYFW last September for the first time since 2019, Lim used this milestone year to honor the sense of community. His spring “Intersections” installation featured clothing paired creatively with the works of multigenerational AAPI artists, while the recent show focused on conveying joy.

“Joy is in the air, people,” Lim shared. “When we started this collection, it was before the DNC and the inspiring Harris and Walz movement, which also embraced joy. I thought about this earlier in the year, indicating that there’s a wave of change approaching. We genuinely need joy together to provide the strength to make it happen.”

The designer’s collection seamlessly blended boldness with delicacy for a refreshing spring/summer presentation, standing out from the sheer styles and typical interpretations seen on numerous runways this fashion week.

The collection, showcased in an industrial setting, felt uniquely light and airy. Ethereal lace combined beautifully with soft feathers on skirts, tops, and jackets, creating a lively flow as they moved down the runway. Romantic tops contrasted with military-inspired patterns on shorts and pants, while tassels, sequins, and gems added a touch of breeziness.

The open-knit mesh featured in clothing and bags created a breezy, stylish vibe. Additionally, bold shirts with phrases such as “Don’t cry tonight,” “Enjoy the moment,” and “Always forever baby” reflected two decades of experiences in the fashion world.

“This collection is incredibly personal. I aimed to showcase my true self,” Lim shares. “I wanted to revisit the roots of my joy, the reasons that inspired me to enter the fashion industry as an independent designer. We wanted to create moments that made us smile, that reminded us of our dreams. What you saw today was a journey that celebrates 20 years of the elements I cherish.”

Lim also seized the moment to acknowledge his design team, inviting them onto the runway at the end of the show to a roaring chorus of applause.

“It was vital to honor my team, because nothing is ever certain for tomorrow, right?” he explains, expressing that he wanted them to witness the audience’s reaction from his perspective. “It was crucial for them to recognize the incredible impact they have on the world.”