Derek Lam
Public Clothing Company · United States
Derek Lam is an American womenswear label launched in 2003 by the designer of the same name. According to Wikipedia it was acquired in January 2020 by Public Clothing Company, and it continues to sell designer dresses, tops and trousers online.
| Founded | 2003 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Derek Lam |
| Owner | Public Clothing Company (acquired January 2020) |
| Segment | Luxury and designer houses |
| Online shop launched | February 2010 |
| Diffusion line | Derek Lam 10 Crosby |
| Website | dereklam.com |
What is Derek Lam?
Derek Lam is a womenswear brand founded by the American designer Derek Lam, born in San Francisco in 1967. Its website sells designer dresses, tops, trousers and other womenswear with free shipping and a VIP customer programme, and presents the brand as a luxury fashion label.
History
Lam launched his own label in 2003 and made his New York Fashion Week debut that September. JAB Holding's Labelux division held a majority stake from 2008 to 2012. A store designed by SANAA opened in 2009 but later closed. In 2019 Lam closed the eponymous luxury collection to concentrate on Derek Lam 10 Crosby, and he ended his work for 10 Crosby in 2023.
In January 2020 the Public Clothing Company acquired the Derek Lam brand, with Lam staying on as chief creative officer. Lam later moved to Paris with his husband and business partner Jan Hendrik Schlottmann, and in 2024 he was named creative director of Câllas Milano. His current role at the Derek Lam brand has not been verified for 2026.
Business model and distribution
- E-commerce: the brand launched its online shop in February 2010.
- Shoes: a global licence with Schwartz & Benjamin from 2012.
- Eyewear: a licence with Modo (2006 for Derek Lam, 2015 for 10 Crosby).
- Beauty and beachwear: beauty licensed to Premiere Group by 2018 and beachwear licensed to Albisetti from spring 2018.
Why it matters
Derek Lam illustrates the shift among American designer brands from a premium runway collection towards a licensing and online led model. Its change of ownership in 2020 also shows how some independent labels have been taken over by retail focused companies.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Derek Lam?
According to Wikipedia, the Public Clothing Company acquired the Derek Lam brand in January 2020. Labelux, part of JAB Holding, held a majority stake from 2008 to 2012.
Where is Derek Lam from?
Derek Lam is an American brand launched in New York in 2003 by the designer Derek Lam, who was born in San Francisco.