PHI Closing

[tricotineacetat]

The whole explanation for their decision to shut down the business seems very odd to me since a lot of designers are waiting to reach exactly the point that Phi has enjoyed until today - they were stocked by the most influential retailers worldwide, had excellent press coverage and enjoyed a little cult status as an edgy brand among the many collections in New York that are either big and established or shoebox-small and indie.

Once you've reached that acclaim and there's a clear aesthetic vocabulary as I'm thinking Phi has had, it's about time to diversify the collection offering with a wider collection offering and to really make it a wardrobe, besides the runway/editorial-worthy pieces. Maybe that's an aim they never really followed, but yes, I agree it's hard building your business around only the very highest-end, cherry-on-the-cake knock-out pieces which don't make you quantities...

 

[TheItGirl]

I was incredibly sad when I heard about this, particularly because they were just beginning to be more visible. The details of the collection were always incredible, and the materials and construction were always the highest quality.

Couldn't agree more. I just loved the SS2010 collection and said to myself "now this will be a huge hit". Very sad...

 

[Bird of Paradise]

I am so upset about this.
I loved the FW 09.10 collection, and the SS 10 collection looked great.
I still can't believe it.

 

[Matanah]

The whole explanation for their decision to shut down the business seems very odd to me since a lot of designers are waiting to reach exactly the point that Phi has enjoyed until today - they were stocked by the most influential retailers worldwide, had excellent press coverage and enjoyed a little cult status as an edgy brand among the many collections in New York that are either big and established or shoebox-small and indie.

Once you've reached that acclaim and there's a clear aesthetic vocabulary as I'm thinking Phi has had, it's about time to diversify the collection offering with a wider collection offering and to really make it a wardrobe, besides the runway/editorial-worthy pieces. Maybe that's an aim they never really followed, but yes, I agree it's hard building your business around only the very highest-end, cherry-on-the-cake knock-out pieces which don't make you quantities...

I thought it was strange as well. They had always said that they were willing to slowly refine their image and brand over a period of time, and it was just beginning to pay off.

 

[IAmLordZen]

yet another victim of the global financial crisis. sad

 

[Meg]

For me, Phi just never had 'It'. I also didn't think that they retailed very much of their collection in very many places. It was never a 'go-to' label and as others have stated, for the prices they charge, you could get the same look elsewhere. They just never fully developed their niche or established what they brought to the market, imo.

 

[LostInNJ]

For anyone in NY, the store is having its sale...many bargains to be had