Founder, Co-Owner & Creative Director

Barker Shoes a 140 year old shoe company from Northampton, England was looking for someone to help launch their brand in the American market.  Recognizing that the mid-tier level of English shoes was quickly becoming extinct, Derrick presented an alternative, to create a luxury brand with the same factory by updating the quality of the craftsmanship. Taking details from bespoke English shoes that seem to have been forgotten by other makers, Derrick designed a line of elegant, sophisticated and yet subtly subversive shoes and accessories with a modern flair, injecting a luxury, rock 'n roll spirit into the classic dress shoe category.  A narrative built on an adapted skull and crossbones motif from the 17th Lancer regiment was adopted and added subtly into the design of many products.  The skull and bones being tacked by hand onto the sole of the shoes and a toe punch in the same design created many loyal fans.

The collection was carried at the leading luxury stores around the world including: Bergdorf Goodman (New York), United Arrows (Tokyo), Colette (Paris), Joyce (Hong Kong), Harrods (London), Maxfield (Los Angeles), 10 Corso Como (Milan), Neiman Marcus and many others.

His work on Barker Black has led to his induction into the prestigious CFDA.

A collaboration between one of America’s oldest heritage brands and Mr. Miller resulted in a modern mix of western and military inspired sportswear. .45 caliber shell rivets on denim and in place of pearl snaps on Western shirts are just of few details. Past logos and historic achievements are on full display in the launch collection.

Working with the new Czech owners to raise the brand image and create a made in USA collection at a premium level. Creating an archive of logos and historical background to develop a cohesive brand image and product mix.

Brand & Commercial Director for Golden Fleece Manufacturing

Derrick Miller was brought on as Commercial Director of Golden Fleece Manufacturing the US manufacturing arm of Brooks Brothers. Derrick had 14 reports across three locations.

In addition to his commercial responsibilities, he also was tasked with relaunching the iconic Southwick brand. First was a logo update, modern and sleek the new logo pays homage to the roots of the company as well as the modern approach. Second, Derrick assessed the assets available to him on a product level and created a modern collection that is both rooted in the heritage of the brand but with a very modern edge and appeal. Southwick is working with the best stores in the US and Japan.

Founded in 1929, Southwick was instrumental in creating the “natural shoulder” and had a huge influence on Ivy Style. The brand became the darling of the clothing industry and was known to only sell the absolute best stores in the US. Of late, the brand had gone quiet, not knowing how to adapt to a less suit driven marketplace, the manufacturing facility was purchased by Claudio del Vecchio who also owned Brooks Brothers.

Maker & Company is an interactive, experiential online e-commerce platform and marketplace which allows viewers a window into the world of craft by highlighting the dedication, craftsmanship and human touch of the products we sell.

The marketplace operates as a global hub for artisans and makers and allow customers to discover a wide range of independent Makers in one place. Focusing primarily on men’s luxury goods Derrick uses his extensive network of menswear resources to find Makers as well as design and manufacture product for the site.

All photography and brand art direction is done by Mr. Miller.

Maker also creates product under the Maker & Company brand which is available on the website as well as for exclusive wholesale accounts.

Product Designer Freelance 2017-2019

Mr. Miller worked as a freelance designer and contributed to the launch of The Row menswear collection. An NDA is in effect.

Launch consultant for the iconic sportswear heritage brand recently purchased by Tommy Hilfiger, personally. Boast was founded in 1973 in Greenwich has the distinctive Japanese Maple Leaf as a logo is a symbol of rebellion and counterculture. Derrick consulted on the launch product details and execution as well as sourcing production partners.

Mr. Miller was retained to completely reboot the brand by refocusing the brand identity, packaging and product design.  The NBA and celebrity favorite Del Toro, originally launched in 2004, had lost its way trying to combined slippers and sneakers with a Miami attitude. The new regime ( including NBA players and franchise owners) wanted to bring the brand up to speed and brought in Mr. Miller. 

Design for the project was two fold:

Firstly, build on what makes Del Toro unique…the subversive velvet slipper. Second, add another tier of product by designing a more modern collection that included varied manufacturing constructions to give the collection added dimension.

The new collection worked to join the two seemingly disjointed categories of slippers and streetwear sneakers by adding in a few slip-on slipper/sneaker hybrids to the collection which provided a link between the categories.  Making better use of Italian craftsmanship was also a priority for the relaunch, hand-painted and hand-stitched details were added in to pull in a more luxury, detail-appreciating customer.

After replacing the entire supply chain and manufacturers to upgrade the quality of the production, Mr. Miller redesigned the packaging of the product to have a single box serve as wholesale, retail and e-commerce shipping box while upgrading the luxury aspect to the packaging while retaining the "Miami Street" vibe of the brand.

Co-Founder, Co-Owner & Creative Director  2008-2017

Launched in 2008, Miller's Oath was inspired by "Miller's New Store" founded by Derrick's great-grandfather during the gold rush. The name and pick axe logo reference this history and is also a nod to the hard work it takes to succeed.  Known primarily as a bespoke tailor with locations on the east and west coast, the brand has also been distributed through Bergdorf Goodman in New York and United Arrows in Tokyo.

Bespoke Neckwear and Uniform Design Freelance 2016

After the success of the bespoke ties he had designed for the Firmdale Group in London, it was only natural that when they launched their first New York hotel Mr. Miller would design the neckwear.

The iconic boots and dog motif on the tie for the Crosby Street Hotel set the mood for the entire hotel and was such a success that when they opened the Whitby, Mr. Miller was asked to provide the uniforms as well as design the bespoke neckwear motifs.

Throughout his career Mr. Miller has spent time in several large corporate environments in a full-time capacity.

In 2000 he was hired personally by Mr. Ralph Lauren to work in Men's Design on everything from Purple Label Neckwear to Polo Tailored Clothing, Sportswear and Conceptual Design.

After a stint as the Associate Fashion Editor at GQ magazine working with legends Art Cooper and Jim Moore, he was the Photo Editor of Nylon Magazine.

Bespoke Neckwear Designer Freelance 2008 to 2014

Mr. Miller designed and produced sixteen bespoke neckwear designs for the seven luxury hotels in London owned by the Firmdale Group.  The design for each tie was inspired by the character of a specific hotel and featured elements of each individual hotel.