Derek Lam Runway Show

A few days ago, I strutted my stuff for Derek Lam. As a model, this was a HUGE achievement for me.

Since he emerged onto the fashion scene, I have been a fan of the Derek Lam aesthetic. Lam started out working as an assistant for Michael Kors, and was eventually appointed Vice President of Design for the Kors line. Lam launched his own label in 2003 and debuted his first collection at New York Fashion Week. In 2005, he won the coveted CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America, headed by Diane Von Furstenberg) Emerging Talent Award for Ready-to-Wear, joining the ranks of many other talented designers including John Varvatos, Rick Owens, and Zac Posen.



Spring 2011 Abstract Snakeskin Printed
Organdy with Raffia Dress

When my agency first contacted me about the casting, I was both shocked and thrilled to see such a huge name in contemporary American fashion coming to present his Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear collection, and in DC, no less! This kind of thing rarely happens here! I attended the casting, hoping, praying, and crossing my fingers to be chosen. Tony, the casting director for Derek Lam, turned out to be really cool and nice (and a fellow half asian- SCORE!), which put my mind at ease.  He had me try on a dress from the Spring 2011 RTW collection, and give him a sample of my runway walk. I left feeling anxious and excited, though very unsure of the outcome.

A few days later, I received the good news in an email from my agency's runway booker-        "Congratulations! You've been selected for Derek Lam."
And my reaction was pretty much as follows: 
        "Yipeeeeeee!!!!!!" *cartwheel* *cabbage patch dance*
I scrambled to tell my boyfriend, sister, and other close friends who also had their fingers crossed for me. I know they were all doing the cabbage patch dance for me, too.

The show, held at the Ritz Carlton on 22nd street in Washington, DC, was part of the First Annual Great Ladies Luncheon, an inaugural Gala Luncheon and Fashion Show to benefit the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation. I was very happy to learn that 100% of the luncheon proceeds went directly to fund innovative drug research for Alzheimer’s, a cause that's dear to my heart.

And the clothes. Ohhhhhh, the clothes. and the shoes. and the purses. Absolutely to die for. The craftsmanship of the garments and quality of the fabrics were stunning.  In the show, I donned two fur coats: one alpaca, the other, shearling.

Lam describes his collection as such: “It really touches on a femininity that is grown up and very self-aware. It is competent, not an ingénue, intelligent but not overly intellectual, more emotional. The collection has a modern point of view, but always looks to the past.” Well said, Mr. Lam.

He gave me a big grin as I was making my way onto the catwalk in my first outfit. I goofily smiled back, and headed out with confidence and assurance.

 

Some backstage images from the event:

{The ballroom set up for the luncheon}



{Tony, giving us directions backstage}



{The Look Board, up close}



{my looks}



My other favorite looks from this collection as showcased in New York Fashion Week:

{black pebbled leather and laundered technical poplin gown}

{tarp green, smoke, and indigo silk rayon technical twill jumpsuit}



{indigo and black silk rayon technical twill shirt, chintz tweed trouser}



{olive melange wool blanket stripe felt cape jacket with leather trim, olive cashmere turtleneck, black stretch leather trouser}

 


{all the garments, back on the rack}


Images from the actual runway show have not yet surfaced, but I will be sure to post them as I receive them!