Derek Lawlor is a fashion knitwear designer in London, United Kingdom. Lawlor grew up in Sussex; he studied in Brighton and later proceeded to London to study Textile Design at Central St Martin's, where he specialised in knitwear. After completing his BA, Lawlor went on to complete a master's degree in Fashion Knitwear at St Martin's in 2009. Lawlor is known for his special technique with cord work,  in past collections using wax cord to create shapes and loops over garments.

EXPERIENCE

His work has been showcased at London Fashion Week every season since graduation. His fashion knitwear has positive press; the Autumn Winter 2012 collection was cited as work which changes the boundaries of knitwear design. Designers conduct research on fashion trends and interpret them for their audience. Their specific designs are used by manufacturers. This is the essence of a designer's role; however, there is variation within this that is determined by the buying and merchandising approach, and product quality; for example, budget retailers will use inexpensive fabrics to interpret trends, but high-end retailers will ensure that the best available fabrics are used.