Today Derek Lam launched a really clever initiative that, if I was a betting girl, I would put odds-on starting a new trend. He “presented” 16 very fresh-looking spring/summer designs (I know, we are in the midst of autumn/winter fashion week, but these go on-sale in real time in April) at Lincoln Centre that will be shown, starting now, on eBay, and then voted on by users, to ultimately choose 5 designs to be sold on the e-storefront — for between 125-295 USD. Here is a picture, or you can go to to www.dereklam.ebay.com and put your two cents in.
In other words: he’s started a new, more affordable line, but with a hip digi-twist! Read more
Vanessa has been the FT’s fashion editor since 2003, and is based in New York, though she lived in London for 12 years.