With a career spanning over two decades in menswear, Derrick Miller stands as a visionary luxury Brand Creator and Creative Director. Boasting a wealth of experience, he has continually shaped the landscape of the industry through, style, business acumen and a look he calls “subversive sophistication”.
Recently, Mr. Miller has channeled his extensive expertise into a transformative venture, rebranding and establishing a premium apparel line for the iconic American heritage brand Colt. This project showcases his ability to breathe new life into established brands, infusing them with a fresh perspective while honoring their rich legacies.
Before his collaboration with Colt, Mr. Miller orchestrated the relaunch of another historic brand, Southwick, for Brooks Brothers. During, his time with Brooks Brothers he served as the Brand and Commercial Director for Golden Fleece Manufacturing their American manufacturing Arm overseeing 3 factories and 14 direct reports. Simultaneously, he embarked on the entrepreneurial journey of launching his curated online marketplace, Maker & Company, showcasing a discerning curation of limited edition, hand-made luxury products.
Throughout his career Mr. Miller has worked with both large companies and small entrepreneurial ventures, he is equally at home in either scenario. Since 2009, Mr. Miller has served as a creative consultant for renowned brands including The Row, Del Toro Shoes, Onsloe Curated, Firmdale & Commune Hotel Groups, and Barker Shoes, further solidifying his influence in shaping the narrative of contemporary menswear.
In 2005, Mr. Miller created a cult classic with the founding of Barker Black Limited. From the humble setting of an antiquated shoe factory in Northampton, England, he meticulously crafted a luxury men’s shoe and accessory brand. Immersed in the craftsmanship, Mr. Miller worked alongside artisans on the factory floor, upgrading every facet of the manufacturing process. His involvement extended beyond design & production; he personally crafted the brand narrative, designed the logo and brand imagery, and curated the entire product collection. The brand swiftly gained international acclaim, selling to Colette, Maxfield, Bergdorf Goodman, Isetan, and many others; with retail stores in New York and Los Angeles serving as hubs for the global elite seeking sophisticated English footwear with a rock n roll spirit.
In 2008, Mr. Miller expanded his creative footprint by co-founding Miller’s Oath, a bespoke and ready-to-wear tailor with locations in New York and Santa Barbara. His influence permeated every aspect of the brand, from the creation of the logo and products to defining the overall brand aesthetics and infusing it with a historically rooted narrative. Collaborating daily with tailors and craftspeople, he brought a distinctive vision to life, merging tradition and brand storytelling with contemporary elegance.
Before his entrepreneurial ventures, Mr. Miller was enlisted personally by the iconic Mr. Ralph Lauren in 2000 to contribute to Men’s Design for the esteemed Purple Label and Polo brands, a testament to his early recognition in the industry.
Throughout his career, Mr. Miller has seamlessly transitioned between roles, having worked as an editor at both GQ and Nylon magazines, and showcasing his artistic flair as a photographer in the fashion capitals of Paris, Milan, New York, and Miami. His educational journey began at Parson’s School of Design in Paris, laying the foundation for a career marked by creativity and a discerning eye for style.
A distinguished member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Mr. Derrick Miller is married to interior designer Jennifer Vaughn Miller of Vaughn Miller Studio, they have two children and divide their time between New York City and the East End of Long Island. His legacy is one of innovation, elegance, and an unwavering commitment to the artistry of storytelling that continues to resonate in the fashion world.