Derek Lam returns to NYFW under new creative director

New York-based womenswear brand Derek Lam is set to return to the New York Fashion Week calendar this February, debuting the first collection under newly appointed creative director Robert Rodriguez.

The return to NYFW signals the relaunch of the Derek Lam mainline collection following the departure of founder Derek Lam in 2023. Rodriguez, a CFDA member, steps into the creative director role overseeing design direction, product development, and brand image.

Under Rodriguez’s leadership, the Derek Lam Collection will focus on elevated essentials defined by relaxed precision and modern refinement. While maintaining the brand’s signature minimal sophistication, the new direction introduces added warmth, texture, and sensuality. 

“We’re working to elevate design and innovation across categories and accelerate brand recognition and consumer engagement,” explained Danielle Alalu, brand president of Derek Lam

“As the marketplace has evolved, we see an opportunity to bring back what was originally a designer collection in a more accessible way. Robert’s obsession with fit, quality, and design is exactly what Derek Lam needs to create a fresh point of view in the advanced contemporary space.”

The relaunched Derek Lam Collection will be positioned within the advanced contemporary market, with pricing ranging from $295 to $1,295. The brand will initially be reintroduced through brand-owned direct-to-consumer channels, with exclusive partnerships with global retailers to be announced later this year. Derek Lam 10 Crosby will continue to operate as a separate contemporary line.

“Robert brings a rare balance of creativity and commercial instinct. Alongside Danielle’s strategic leadership, we now have a unified team ready to propel Derek Lam into its next chapter- building a modern American brand with global reach and enduring relevance,” added Dan Shamdasani, CEO of Public Clothing.