If you are unfamiliar with this up and coming brand, it is time to get to know them. PH5 is a New York City based advanced contemporary womenswear label founded by Wei Lin in 2014. Designed by Parsons-trained Mijia Zhang and backed by a solid knitwear manufacturer, PH5 redefines knitwear by adding colorful and playful techniques, reflecting a sense of individualistic personality and sophistication.
From left: Juwon Kim, Wei Lin, and Mijia Zhang
MyFatPocket is glad to have PH5 Founder, Wei Lin, Creative Director, Mijia Zhang, and Marketing Manager, Juwon Kim, to share their brand's philosophy and success with us. And of course, we are not letting them go without getting some fashion and styling tips from them!
1. How did PH5 start?
Wei Lin: PH5 is almost like a family business. My parents have been doing manufacturing for many of the US and European brands for many years, and so it was like a natural progression for us to have our own label. So around 3 years ago, my parents and I got started on this brand.
2. So it started from manufacturing. Did you have any design background before starting on this label?
Wei Lin: In fact, no. I came from a very business background and I was working as a consultant in New York. I happened to stumble upon a great designer, Mijia, and we started working together. I take care of the business side and Mijia takes care of design and creatives.
Some of the colourful pieces from their current Spring/Summer 2016 collection
3. Were there any challenges that you faced when you first started out?
Mijia: I have a very Type A personality and I love to do a lot. One of the challenge was that I was trying to do too much with the collection, wanting it to offer wovens, knits, gowns, or I can say everything! It became too broad to handle. So now, our solution is to narrow it down to very knit driven brand, which is in fact, the specialty of the factory.
I was from Parsons, a fashion school in New York, and to me, knits are like a very high technology material. I spent a lot of time going through how to develop knits, which was very technlogy-based. I learned a lot from the technicians and how knits are different from wovens. But it was very interesting because we can design our own fabrics and style now.
4. So what prompted you to come on board PH5 as a designer and to join Wei Lin on her journey?
I really appreciate the brand image of PH5. Its gender-neutral, and its is on the cutting edge with the techniques and style. Moreover, PH5 fitted my personal design identity.
5. What do you think sets PH5 apart from the other brands in the market?
Wei Lin: We have a very unique take on aesthetics and we are very good in our product quality for our price point.
Mijia: And to add on, we are the only knit driven brand in the contemporary market.
Wei Lin: Ya, perhaps you can think of Missoni, but Missoni is like 3 times our price point. So in a way our knits are more affordable for the general public.
6. What is your inspiration behind your upcoming autumn/winter collection?
Mijia: Clouds, i would say. I'm really into art so I'll try to bring art inspirations into our collections.
7. If each of you have to pick a favourite piece from the autumn/winter collection, which one will be your favourite?
Wei Lin: This black top has got to be my favourite. Mijia used to work at Nike as a designer before joining PH5, and this is a material and a technique that is used in shoe designs. This piece is probably one of the few in the market that uses such material on an apparel. So this is my favourite.
Mijia: I love this set and I'm currently wearing it! It comes in two colours. I like how stripes are really common, but what is unique is that curves are put together with the stripes, and that makes the design unique and playful.
Juwon: This dress that is full of clouds would be my pick. I love the cloud collection, they are just too pretty.
8. What are some of the key pieces that we should have for the upcoming season?
Wei Lin: This piece is very easy to wear (centre) because it is fitted and carries a sporty element. Another set would be this one (left and right), it is great for the office but yet still fun enough for a day out. Look closely and you can see that the buttons are in the shape of a cloud!
9. Give us a sneak peek into how you both work together. Any interesting or funny stories to share?
Wei Lin: Too many!
Mijia: We both are pretty tall so I always just use Wei Lin as my fitting model. I'll drape on her and sometimes i'll punch her! (laughs)
10. Personally, what are your wardrobe must haves?
Mijia: I love sneakers and t-shirts. Everyone must have nice t-shirts because they are so easy to wear! A t-shirt with a good cut that fits you well is key, and what's more, they are very versatile and great for styling with other apparels.
Wei Lin: I'm quite an athlete so I wear a lot of gym wear and they are so essential in my wardrobe.
Juwon: For myself I love fitting knit tops because they are easy to match with almost any bottoms.
11. Lastly, any fashion advice for fellow Singapore women?
Mijia: I think Singaporean ladies are really pretty, and Singaporean ladies should really try to put on more daring outfits that are more colourful and fun.
Wei Lin: I know its hot here but it would be nice if ladies here can still add some patterns and colours into their everyday wear!
PH5 is a contemporary womenswear label with an emphasis on in-house production of textured knits and mixed media garments. Showcasing its latest SS/16 collection at Robinsons, The Heeren, it features vibrant and flattering styles that can be easily paired on a daily basis. You can also purchase PH5 apparels at https://society-a.com/collections/women-ph5