Derek Lam Receives "Mercedes-Benz Presents" Title

NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Derek Lam, the designer and brand known for its understated luxury, refined cuts, and bold silhouettes, receives the distinguished title of "Mercedes-Benz Presents" designer for this season's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012 Collections, which kick off this week.  The Derek Lam runway show is being held on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at Lincoln Center, home of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100901/NY58315LOGO )

Over the past eight years, the "Mercedes-Benz Presents" program has recognized designers that demonstrate dedication to the use of quality materials, unique style and innovative design.  "I am honored to be this year's 'Mercedes Benz Presents' designer," said Derek Lam. "I have a great respect for Mercedes-Benz and their unyielding support for fashion."

As part of the Presents program and in celebration of Lam's new diffusion collection, 10 Crosby Derek Lam, Mercedes-Benz and Lam are searching for this season's "Crosby Girl" to go along with the season's must-have accessory, the C63 AMG Coupe.  During Fashion's Night Out, Derek Lam and casting director James Scully, will host an open call at the Derek Lam flagship store on Crosby Street.  Photographs of the most stylish participants will be incorporated into a display themed "Let Me C Your Style" that can be viewed and voted on by all attendees entering the lobby tent of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week located at the heart of Lincoln Center.  For more information visit, www.LETMECYOURSTYLE.com.  

Derek's vision for his label is to create clothes that are both luxurious and wearable, with a feminine but unfussy beauty about them.  His touch is especially sophisticated: modern but never cold, fantastical but always rational.  He skillfully manages the combination of refinement and sensuality, with exceptional fabrics and highly perfected detail.

"Derek Lam's impeccable reputation in the fashion industry is a testament to his heritage, precise skill, and fresh approach, all of which are qualities that distinguish the brand much like Mercedes-Benz does," said Lisa Holladay, Manager of Brand Experience Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA.  "Derek's modern yet youthful designs mirror characteristics that embody the new C63 AMG Coupe, making Derek the perfect choice for this season's Presents designer."

Derek Lam joins a prestigious list of past "Mercedes-Benz Presents" designers including Herve Leger by Max Azria, Carolina Herrera, Monique Lhuillier, Badgley Mischka, Narciso Rodriguez, and CHADO Ralph Rucci.  

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2012 Collections is taking place in New York City at Lincoln Center from September 8-15, 2011 with more than 95 designers presenting their Spring 2012 collections including Derek Lam, Diane von Furstenberg, Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Nicole Miller, Charlotte Ronson, Rebecca Minkoff and Betsey Johnson.

For more information about Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, and for a schedule of shows and events, visit http://newyork.mbfashionweek.com.

ABOUT Derek Lam

Derek Lam, a native of San Francisco, began his fashion career in 1990 after graduating from Parsons School of Design. After twelve years spent at the highest levels of American fashion as a designer at Michael Kors, Lam, together with his partner Jan-Hendrik Schlottmann, launched his eponymous label in 2003. 2006 saw rapid growth at Derek Lam as handbags were added to the collection and Derek was named creative director of Tods. 2007 continued the trend of growth with the addition of shoes and eyewear to the Derek Lam label. After a successful collaboration with SANAA on his first store at 10 Crosby Street in New York, Derek once again enlisted the talents of the esteemed architectural team made up of, Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa to open his second store at 764 Madison Avenue.

He strives to make fashion that is timeless in its elegance: to offer one clear example, Lam is known already for cutting the most perfect trench.

www.dereklam.com
www.twitter.com/dereklamnyc
www.facebook.com/dereklam

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States.  MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.  

MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans and smart in the US.  More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.smartusa.com

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA