Derek Lam
Pretty precision: American-born but Asian-influenced Derek Lam's lean line of womenswear epitomizes contemporary sophistication. The wunderkind Lam was born in San Francisco to three generations of garment manufacturers and importers, and spent his childhood admiring the seamstress' handiwork in his grandparents' factory. After graduating from Parsons, Lam worked under Michael Kors; his own eponymous collection, launched in 2003, updated his mentor's thoroughly modern brand of jet-set chic by adding elements like girlish prints and nostalgic silhouettes. Lam's award-winning creations — which have since expanded to eyewear, shoes and jewelry — have been featured in Women’s Wear Daily, Vogue, Town & Country and Elle.
