Derek Lam

The brand

Derek Lam is a luxury fashion brand based in New York, created in 2003 by designer Derek Lam and his business partner Jan -Hendrik Schlottmann. The brand is known for its understated elegance and refined technical excellence.

A graduate of Parsons School of Design, Derek spent twelve years under designer Michael Kors before launching his own label. In 2005, Lam received the CFDA / Perry Ellis / Swarovski Award for Best Emerging Talent in Women's Wear. In 2007, he was named Accessory Designer of the Year at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund sponsored Awards. This top honor included a mentorship with former Gucci CEO Domenico De Sole. The New York Times describes his niche as an "ultra-luxe space in fashion for which Valentino has been the go-to guy for decades."

The business

Derek Lam has two flagship retail stores in New York, and operates as a wholesale business in 25 countries. The brand produces four ready-to-wear collections annually; showing Fall and Spring runway collections at New York Fashion Week. The brand has expanded into accessories including shoes, handbags and eyewear.

Since becoming part of the LABELUX Group, Derek Lam has opened two SANAA-designed retail stores; the first on New York's up and coming Crosby Street and the second on Madison Avenue. We are working together in strengthening Derek Lam as a luxury fashion house with a global presence. Derek Lam was previously privately funded.

Derek Lam

I am interested in what it means to live in a contemporary life. I always consider what will work for women at this moment, and to me at this moment is about luxury without formality.