After logging 12 years working for Michael Kors's various labels, Derek Lam presented his own eponymous line in 2003 at New York Fashion Week. While honing his skills at the Kors studio, the San Francisco native developed a personal design style that focuses on ease of wear, clean lines, and modern, luxurious materials. In 2004, Lam was awarded the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award for new designers and was nominated for the CFDA Fashion Fund prize for emerging designers. One year later, Lam won the CFDA Perry Ellis Swarovski Award for new designers. In 2006 he launched his own handbag and shoe line and in 2007 unveiled his own sunglass and optics line. In addition to his own label, Lam has served as creative director for the Tod.s ready-to-wear collection and a selection of accessories since 2006.
