Designer Spotlight: David Lerner
Designer David Lerner pulls looks from his Fall 2012 collection at his studio in Manhattan. (March 7, 2012) Credit: Nina Ruggiero
We all know "that girl." No matter where she is, or how hectic of a day she's having, she always looks perfectly put together. The almost unbearably annoying part is, it seems like she doesn't even try. "How does she do it?" we ask ourselves, self-consciously tucking and untucking the fifth top we pulled from our closets this morning.
Wednesday morning, up on the fourth floor of a building wedged between elegant storefronts and loud construction in Manhattan's Meatpacking District, I finally discovered her secret.
She's wearing David Lerner.
Lerner, 28, a quirky New Jersey-bred designer living in Manhattan with his 1-year-old bulldog, Mashugina, launched his first collection in August 2008.
Highlights from his basic but stylish Fall 2012 collection include leather shorts (an orange pair was a crowd favorite), draped dresses, mixed-media maxi-skirts and sheer flowing tops, but leggings are where he began and they remain his specialty.
"It's an updated legging," Lerner says, pointing out the zipper detail on one of his pieces. Others are embellished with lace, velvet, leather and color blocking. "I use a material that is beyond the best. It holds women in; it's very flattering."
The material is a nylon and spandex combination called Supplex. It comes from Brazil, but all of Lerner's clothing is made in New York.
"An amazing legging is sort of like a bra for the leg and butt," he says, explaining that finding the right fit has gained him a loyal female following.
Among his A-list clientele are Megan Fox, Halle Berry, Gwyneth Paltrow and Miley Cyrus.
"I try to make it a no-brainer," Lerner says. "Women can just throw on a legging with a top or dress and they'll be comfortable, look good and have confidence. That's what this whole thing is about."
Lerner's clothing is sold at Singer 22 in East Hills and Intermix in Manhasset as well as Intermix Manhattan locations and Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Atrium and Lester's in Manhattan. Price points generally range from $100-250.
Shop new arrivals and sales at DLcollection.com.
