Exhibit 15

September 6, 2001

Stockholders and Board of Directors

Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation

We are aware of the incorporation by reference in

(i) Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 2-73803), which relates to the Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation Employee Savings and Retirement Plan,

(ii) Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 33-50841) and Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 33-59602), each of which relate to the Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation Associates Investment Plan for Residents of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,

(iii) Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 33-59101), which relates to the Voluntary Investment Plan of Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation (Crystal Brands Division),

(iv) Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 2-72959), Post Effective Amendment No. 6 to Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 2-64564), and Post Effective Amendment No. 13 to Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 2-47910), each of which relate to the 1973 Employee's Stock Option Plan of Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation,

(v) Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 33-38698), Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 33-24057) and Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 33-60793), each of which relate to the Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation 1987 Stock Option Plan,

(vi) Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 333-29765) which relates to the Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation 1997 Stock Option Plan

(vii) Registration Statement (Form S-4, No. 333-57203), which relates to the 9.5% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008, and

(viii) Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 333-41068) which relates to the Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation 2000 Stock Option Plan.

of our reports dated August 22, 2001 and May 23, 2001, relating to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation that are included in its Form 10-Q for the thirteen week periods ended August 5, 2001 and May 6, 2001.

Pursuant to Rule 436(c) of the Securities Act of 1933, our reports are not a part of the registration statements or post-effective amendments prepared or certified by accountants within the meaning of Section 7 or 11 of the Securities Act of 1933.

ERNST & YOUNG LLP

New York, New York

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