Exhibit 5.1

PHILLIPS-VANHEUSENCORPORATION

200 MADISON AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10016-3903 (212) 381-3500

MARK D. FISCHER VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY DID: (212) 381-3509 FAX: (212) 381-3970 E-mail: markfischer@pvh.com

September 18, 2003

Securities and Exchange Commission

Judiciary Plaza

450 Fifth Street, N.W.

Washington, DC 20549

Gentlemen:

I refer to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") filed by Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation (the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the registration of up to an aggregate of 5,400,000 shares of the company's common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Common Stock"), to be issued upon the exercise of awards granted under the Company's 2003 Stock Option Plan.

I have made such examination as I have deemed necessary for the purpose of this opinion. Based upon such examination, it is my opinion, that, when the Registration Statement has become effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and when the shares of Common Stock to be issued are sold and paid for in the manner described in the aforementioned Plan, the shares of Common Stock so issued will have been validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

My opinion is limited to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. This opinion is given as of the date hereof and I assume no obligation to advise you of changes that may hereafter be brought to my attention.

I hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

Very truly yours,

/s/Mark D. Fischer

Mark D. Fischer