Derrick Coleman Design was founded on two principles: to create beautiful clothing that is comfortable as well as fashionable and to make clothing of quality that will endure fashion changes and wear well. The first line of clothing from Derrick Coleman was a series of white shirts. This line was inspired by his work as a pattern maker and shirt cutter in the men’s shirt industry. After comparing his work of men’s shirts to women’s clothing of equal price he realized the need to improve the standard of women’s clothing.
Derrick Coleman studied Fashion Merchandising/Fashion Design at International Fine Arts College in Miami, Florida, where he interned at Saks Fifth Avenue’s Bal Harbor and Dade Mall locations. There he gained experience in visual design, fashion show production, public relations and point of sale. Saks Fifth Avenue also provided Mr. Coleman with the opportunity to work with several top 7th Avenue designers. Mr. Coleman also studied at Ardis School of Fashion Design in Washington, DC. Upon completion of his studies at Ardis School of Design, he worked as an apprentice at Everett Hall Design, Inc. in close proximity with Mr. Hall’s staff. Everett Hall Design is where he mastered the business aspects of fashion and gained invaluable experience in the following areas; designing for a collection, incise for volume, shipping, accounts receivable, wholesale and retail market and inventory control. Mr. Coleman also participated in major trade shows; Magic Show, Las Vegas Convention Center and Designer Collective Show, Plaza Hotel, New York City.
