DEREK LAM | FALL / WINTER 2012

When Derek Lam debuted his collection at NYFW in 2003 it was branded as an overnight success. Since then Lam has graced our catwalks with informal glamour. His Fall / Winter 2012 is a collection full of casually chic revivals from overlooked eras.

Lam’s career began at Michael Kors where he spent 12 years as a designer before materialising his own label. Since his 2003 debut he has won 2 CFDA awards and was appointed Creative Director for the Italian luxury house Tod’s in 2006.

His primary inspiration for the collection derived from his trip to Asia: he visited women creating fabric on looms in Bhutan and observed how the textiles are personally fashioned. He now collects textiles, not only as souvenirs, but to fuel his creativity.

Lam’s Fall / Winter 2012 collection is dedicated to laidback, comfortable and convenient wear with a sophisticated and lady like soupçon. Couture woolen jumpers and mini skirts were the main focus of the collection alongside relaxed pyjama pants and opulent transparent chiffon dresses teamed with metallic jackets.

The collection also features Lam’s take on office wear with the inclusion of slouch trousers and classic peacoats – which both have a prim and proper air about them. Leather was utilised as a clever addition to this season’s masculine trend, whilst shearling and furs softened the embroidered outwear.

The colour palette was predominantly neutral with the subtle accompaniment of pastel shades such as mint, sand, baby blue, ecru and dove. Lam also embellished garments with suede platform pumps, narrow leather belts, and eighties adapted sunglasses.

- Charlotte Clarke