Why it's hot: Derek Lam, a native of San Francisco, founded his eponymous New York City-based label in 2002 after 12 years of designing for Michael Kors. The label was pretty much an instant success, winning the CFDA Perry Ellis-Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent in Womenswear and the Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund Prize, both in 2005, as well as CFDA Accessory Designer of the Year in 2007. And, really, what's not to love about Derek Lam? The clothes are modern and feminine, but not overly so, and ultra luxurious. Oh, wait, there's that whole price thing...
Derek Lam clothing is expensive. A tunic will set you back about $600.00. Looking for a fun frock? That will cost you somewhere in the $5,000.00 to $7,000.00 range. Eyeing some of his creations in leather or fur? Get ready to spend upwards of $15-20k. Ouch.
That's what makes 10 Crosby Derek Lam so hot. It's the label's first journey into affordable clothing. The pieces have a modern femininity that echoes the main line, but at prices that hover around several hundred, rather than several thousand, dollars. Ok, so it's not exactly toss-on-and-go weekend wear prices, but it is a whole lot easier to swallow than the main line prices.
Where to wear it: The 10 Crosby Derek Lam debut collection has a surprising versatility to it. The pieces range from simple sweaters, dresses and tops that are completely perfect for the weekend, to smart blazers that could go to the office, to breezy dresses for special occasions. A real stand-out is the One Shoulder Dress with Linen Trim pictured here. A close up look at the shoulder shows off the attention to detail you'd expect from Derek Lam at a price that makes this dress accessible as a pick for your next party.
→ Buy the 10 Crosby Derek Lam One Shoulder Dress with Linen Trim, $495.00, at shopbop.com; shipping and returns are free.
→ Browse all 10 Crosby Derek Lam at shopbop.com.
→ Browse all 10 Crosby Derek Lam at bloomingdales.com.
→ Browse all 10 Crosby Derek Lam at saks.com.
