If it wasn't for some start-up cash from his fabric supplier friend, Wen Zhou, back in 2004, the Thailand-born designer might not have a label now available in more than 26 countries. Nearly every piece in his women's wear line is touched up with something extra, whether it's pearls on a shift dress, military epaulets on a khaki trench, or Swarovski-crystal-adorned headbands. But...why the 3.1? When he and Zhou went into business together, they were both 31 at the time.

3.1 Phillip Lim
Designer: Phillip Lim
Launch: 2004
City: New York City
Famous Fans: Scarlett Johansson, Kate Hudson, Alexis Bledel
Signature Style: Accessible pieces with extraordinary embellishments