Derek Lawlor

I have a love for textile and fabric development. I am a knitwear designer and produce the fabric which forms the canvas in which work in to. My most recent collection is inspired by Japanese body armour, I produced different lace patterns which I used wax cord to weave through. Derek Lawlor is a contemporary knitwear designer. He grew up in Sussex studying in Brighton before embarking on London to study Textile Design at Central St Martin’s specialising in Knitwear. On completely his BA Derek went on to complete a masters at St Martin’s graduating with a distinction in MA Fashion Knitwear in March 2009. Derek featured in the Central St Martin’s A/W 09 show at London Fashion Week with a collection of heavily embellished dresses. The collection was credited by Sarah Mower as ‘fabulous knitwear’ on vogue.com and has received great press and recognition. Inspired by Japanese body armour, Derek has developed a unique lace cord technique using wax cord to create organic sculptural shapes on tight fitting cashmere dresses.
Derek’s inspiration goes beyond fabric and ranges from body armour to sculpture and architectural references. Inspired he then goes on to create the fabrics which form the structure to his garments. References for his A/W 09 collection were taking from exploring traditional body armour and costume from around the world- he then focused on Japanese body armour looking at layering of different materials to create interesting shapes and texture. All these references come together in Derek’s mixing of weights, structure and shapes derived from experimentation on his domestic knitting machine.
Derek adapts techniques such as weaving to create three dimensional patterns and unique fabric designs. What may start off as a simple length of cashmere cloth will be completely transformed once the wax cord is woven through.
The lace technique is original and forms a canvas for Derek to work in to. The cord is like thread which is then woven through the lace patterns to form fantastic organic shapes.
Further visual and movement away from the body was created by the long fringes of cords hanging from the dresses- each fringed cord end has been finished with plastic dip enhancing the modern edge to this collection.
Using time spent from working for designers such as Michiko Koshino, V V Rouleaux and Japer Gardiva to hone his skill, Derek has been able to build an impressive textile and fashion portfolio that speaks of both progress and individuality. His work, rather than following the trends of fashion is both enduring in its aesthetic and innovative in its technique.
Derek’s pieces straddle the boundaries between artwork and fashion, craft and performance commanding attention in their complexity. This collection is an example of furthering fashion and pushing the boundaries of knitwear to create something innovative, edgy and luxurious.Derek Lawlor is a contemporary knitwear designer. He grew up in Sussex studying in Brighton before embarking on London to study Textile Design at Central St Martin’s specialising in Knitwear. On completely his BA Derek went on to complete a masters at St Martin’s graduating with a distinction in MA Fashion Knitwear in March 2009.

Derek featured in the Central St Martin’s A/W 09 show at London Fashion Week with a collection of heavily embellished dresses. The collection was credited by Sarah Mower as ‘fabulous knitwear’ on vogue.com and has received great press and recognition. Inspired by Japanese body armour, Derek has developed a unique lace cord technique using wax cord to create organic sculptural shapes on tight fitting cashmere dresses.

Derek’s inspiration goes beyond fabric and ranges from body armour to sculpture and architectural references. Inspired he then goes on to create the fabrics which form the structure to his garments. References for his A/W 09 collection were taken from exploring traditional body armour and costume from around the world- he then focused on Japanese body armour looking at layering of different materials to create interesting shapes and texture.

All these references come together in Derek’s mixing of weights, structure and shapes derived from experimentation on his domestic knitting machine. Derek adapts techniques such as weaving to create three dimensional patterns and unique fabric designs. What may start off as a simple length of cashmere cloth will be completely transformed once the wax cord is woven through.

The lace technique is original and forms a canvas for Derek to work in to. The cord is like thread which is then woven through the lace patterns to form fantastic organic shapes. Further visual and movement away from the body was created by the long fringes of cords hanging from the dresses- each fringed cord end has been finished with plastic dip enhancing the modern edge to this collection.

Using time spent from working for designers such as Michiko Koshino, V V Rouleaux and Japer Gardiva to hone his skill, Derek has been able to build an impressive textile and fashion portfolio that speaks of both progress and individuality. His work, rather than following the trends of fashion is both enduring in its aesthetic and innovative in its technique.

Derek’s pieces straddle the boundaries between artwork and fashion, craft and performance commanding attention in their complexity. This collection is an example of furthering fashion and pushing the boundaries of knitwear to create something innovative, edgy and luxurious.