PH5 is not your average knitwear brand. You won’t find a classic, chunky, oversized cable knit sweater here. Instead, think something sleek, bold, colorful, and dynamic.

When the brand launched in 2014 with a futuristic approach to the craft, the innovative take on knitwear quickly captured the attention of the fashion industry.

It only makes sense given that designer Wei Lin, one half of the design duo behind the label, hails from the family of a large knitwear manufacturer in China. After meeting Mijia Zhang while attending Parsons School of Design, the two developed the seed for the idea that would become PH5.

Now, the design duo is taking the designs to the West Coast as part of the CFDA shop with Fred Segal on Sunset Boulevard. We caught up with the designers to hear more about their career trajectory.

What’s your earliest fashion memory?

Wei Lin: I grew up in a knitwear factory.

Mijia Zhang: My parents used to run a vintage clothing shop when I was young.

What inspired you to work in fashion and start your own collection?

Wei: We were roommates while living in New York, and soon after we felt that it made sense to combine our strengths and give PH5 a try.

How would you describe your brand?

Mijia: Young and contemporary knitwear marrying whimsical and graphic designs with innovative techniques.

What sets you apart from other designers?

Wei: We work hand in hand with factory computer engineers and technicians to develop our own stitches and fabrics.

What has been the most difficult part about starting your business?

Mijia: Keeping the momentum going and not letting setbacks or rejections get too much into our heads.

Describe one career highlight so far.  

Wei: The PH5 x Fitbit collaboration.

Where do you see your brand headed? What’re your goals for the future?

Mijia: We want to be the first brand people think of when they think of knitwear.

Hilary wears PH5 Sage Rib Crew Neck, $215, and Oscar Asymmetric Skirt, $185. 

Model: Hilary Cerezo, Elite Models

Photographer: Sabrina Santiago

Fashion Editor: Nicky Campbell