In recognition of his timeless elegance and understated design aesthetic, Mercedes-Benz has honored Derek Lam with the distinguished title of “Mercedes-Benz Presents” for this season’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. From September 8th through 15th, 2011, Derek Lam joins 95+ designers in showing their Spring/Summer 2012 Collections in New York City.  Derek Lam’s runway show will be held on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at Lincoln Center, home of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  His show is scheduled to commence at 12 pm (ET).  Live stream will be available on You Tube and First Comes Fashion.

“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.”

In honor of Derek Lam 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, on September 8th, 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.

Elizabeth Giardina, Lam’s senior designer, recently characterized the ideal 10 Crosby girl to New York Magazine: “I like the idea of Dree Hemingway and Mariel Hemingway … urban, but in a soft way”.  They went on to report that Lam’s diffusion “line includes items like a boxy white wool coat, wide-leg pants, and a drapey jacket in a checked maroon pattern.”  The Derek Lam label, which includes handbags, shoes, and eye-wear, is known for flawless design and gorgeous craftsmanship.  His namesake ready-to-wear line includes contemporary color palettes of classic colors grounded with neutral tones and subtle prints.  Tasteful uses of vibrant color shows Lam’s spontaneity.  His gowns are highly sought after for red carpet events.  Michelle Monaghan wore Lam’s pink gown with peplum back to the Met Gala in New York City last May.  The photo of the gown Michelle Monaghan wore, pictured below, is from Derek Lam’s website.

Derek Lam is soon to experience the most memorable fashion week of his career as he joins a prestigious group of past “Mercedes-Benz Presents” designers including Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Carolina Herrera, Monique Lhuillier.  “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.”  A great honor for a great New York City designer.  Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week not only provides a beautiful venue and platform for New York fashion designers, they also affirm well deserving designers, such as Derek Lam.

Suzanne Crumbacher, Social Media Director and Style & Beauty Writer for Chic Galleria, has a certificate in Fashion Design and a master’s degree from Regent College, Vancouver, B.C., Canada.  She has traveled to Venezuela, Indonesia, Malaysia, all over the U.S., one month stay in Hawaii, studied in Canada for 2 1/2 years and now resides in Oklahoma with her husband and two daughters.  Suzanne loves social media interaction, so tweet her @ChicGalleria, join her Google+ Circle and follow as she blogs about being a writer for Chic Galleria on her personal Twitter & Tumblr.  Read more Suzanne Crumbacher articles…