Fashion career profile
Derek Lam
Derek Lam is an American fashion designer who founded his New York namesake label in 2003 with business partner and chief executive Jan-Hendrik Schlottmann. Raised in San Francisco, Lam studied at Parsons School of Design and worked for Michael Kors before establishing his own company. His work is known for considered simplicity and detailed, modern luxury, with collections spanning womenswear, shoes, handbags and eyewear. The business expanded with DEREK LAM 10 CROSBY, a more accessible line launched in 2011. Lam’s early recognition included the 2005 Swarovski Perry Ellis Award for Womenswear and the CFDA’s 2007 Accessory Designer of the Year award. His work has also been exhibited by the Museum at FIT, the Kennedy Center and the Victoria and Albert Museum. This profile distinguishes the designer’s documented career and awards from the broader product and commercial footprint of the label; it does not infer a degree or current executive title beyond what the sources establish.
- Role
- Founder & Creative Director, Derek Lam
- Nationality
- American
- Age
- 60
- Verified awards
- 2
- Shuffle Board: Levi’s Taps Skechers CFO; Derek Lam ReturnsSourcing Journal · 2026-10-02
- Derek Lam returns to Derek Lam 10 Crosby as creative directorFashionNetwork · 2026-09-30
- Must Read: Derek Lam Returns to Derek Lam 10 Crosby as Creative Director, Chanel Reveals Its Cruise 2027 Show LocationFashionista · 2026-09-28
- Education: Parsons School of DesignCFDA records Lam's study at Parsons; no degree is specified in the source. · CFDA
- Early career: Worked for Michael KorsLam worked for Michael Kors before founding his own label; the source does not give a title or date. · CFDA
- Label founded: New York City, 2003Lam founded his namesake label with partner and CEO Jan-Hendrik Schlottmann. · CFDA
- Second line: DEREK LAM 10 CROSBY launched in 2011The CFDA profile dates the launch of the 10 CROSBY line to 2011. · CFDA
- CFDA recognition: Womenswear award, 2005; Accessory Designer of the Year, 2007The CFDA records the Swarovski Perry Ellis Award for Womenswear in 2005 and its Accessory Designer of the Year award in 2007. · CFDA
- 2003 — Founds namesake label in New YorkLam establishes the business with partner and CEO Jan-Hendrik Schlottmann.
- 2005 — Receives Swarovski Perry Ellis Award for WomenswearThe CFDA Fashion Awards recognise Lam's womenswear work.
- 2007 — Named CFDA Accessory Designer of the YearThe CFDA recognises Lam's accessories design.
- 2011 — Launches DEREK LAM 10 CROSBYThe second line expands the brand's offer.
- 2007 — Derek Lam — Accessory Designer of the YearVerified fashion award
- 2005 — Derek Lam — Swarovski Perry Ellis Award for WomenswearVerified fashion award