Derek Lam Interview

The other week I had the privilege of not only meeting mega fashion designer Derek Lam, but I was able to sit down with him and fire off some q’s. He was in town hosting an event and fashion show at Neiman Marcus in Boca Raton, promoting his full Derek Lam 10 Crosby Collection (which is beyond ridiculous, btw!), and agreed to chat with me prior to the event. I have to admit I was a bit nervous/intimidated to meet him, wishing I was wearing his designs head-to-toe but instead in a top and pants from Forever 21 {awesome}, but once I was greeted by him in a large dressing room with popcorn and Swedish Fish on an end table, I knew we’d hit it off. Oh, not to mention he’s maybe the sweetest and most humble human being ever.

Derek Lam & Live Love Lipstick

So what could I ask this super talented, super famous, super successful designer that he hasn’t heard a million times before and that you all would want to know? Well here goes nothing…

You grew up around clothing and bridal gowns, did you always know you wanted to be in the industry?

No, actually I think because I think it was a family endeavor, and I grew up around it as a really young child, I wanted to do something different. So I went to study English and History and then I decided I want to go into Arts so I studied Art before I studied Fashion.

If you weren’t a designer today, what would you be doing?

When I was studying English, I wanted to be a writer, especially critical writing. I would love to be a critic, not necessarily of fashion, but of culture maybe. I love the process of writing.

Besides your own of course, who is your favorite designer today?

There are so many right now that are so interesting. I think that’s what is exciting about the landscaping right now; there’s not one trend, there’s not one designer. Everybody’s doing their own thing. I’m really into the more intellectual designers because I can see a different perspective than what I do, I do my work much more emotional.

What 3 things should every woman own in her closet?

A great flair cut jean – it actually flatters any body type and height, an easy kimono jacket, and a beautiful blouse.

Fill in the blank: You can never have enough _____.

Sunshine.

You have worked with Michal Kors, Tod’s, and of course your own label, what has been the most exciting moment in your career?

I think it has yet to come! We have some interesting things happening within the year. And I think with every new step we’ve taken, whether it’s starting a new collection, my collaboration with Tod’s, and my collaboration with Athleta which has been really successful, it’s always been my search to go beyond just one category and to show just one point of view, it’s really to talk about lifestyle. So when I do something that’s lifestyle oriented and there’s a positive response, it just reinforces that I could go further.

Many top designers are teaming up with companies such as Target and H&M, making items more affordable, what’s your take on it? Who would be your ideal collaboration?

The price points are amazing at Athleta! The point of view there was to contribute to elevating athletic workout wear and providing unexpected layers that allows you to wear your clothing that you’ve gone to exercise in, out to lunch and not feel like you look like it. I think we see a lot of people that wear athletic wear 24/7 and I wanted to provide other elements that you could work in. We’re essentially making it an extension of American Sports Wear, which in the past was inspired by traditional sports, tennis, riding. But with Athleta, it’s still about the lifestyle, but instead of jumping on a horse, you’re jumping on your Soul Cycle.

My ideal collaborator would be someone in jewelry. I’m always on the lookout of who I can collaborate with and would love to get more involved in that.

So there you have it! And here you have some of my favorite pieces from the Derek Lam 10 Crosby collection from Neiman Marcus:

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Neiman Marcus