Deryck Walker
9 Nov 2009
Deryck Walker was born in Scotland and studied Fashion Technology at Cardonald College Glasgow. After studying, Deryck moved to London and gained invaluable experience working with the design duo Boudicca, then as an assistant to Robert Carey Williams, before spending a year in Milan at Versace.
Deryck moved back to London to produce his debut collection, which launched in Autumn/Winter 2005 as an exclusive line of menswear for Dover Street Market. He continued with his menswear collections showing at Topman during London Fashion Week in 2007.
In late 2007, Deryck unveiled his first solo art exhibition ‘The Spell of Information' at Glasgow's SWG3 exhibition space. Drawing on themes and elements that have become synonymous with his fashion label, he created a sweeping installation using his trademark windmill symbol. ‘The Spell of Information' followed the success of Walker's ‘Spell' sculpture, a windmill-inspired take on the traditional Christmas tree at London's infamous Reindeer pop-up restaurant. The windmill has become an on-going theme that runs through Walker's fashion collections and art installations.
In the Spring/Summer of 2008, Deryck launched his debut womenswear collection, a decision which evolved due to his growing customer base of women. To help further meet this demand from both male and female customers, Deryck recently opened his first clothing store in Glasgow's Argyle Arcade.
Over the last few years, Deryck has worked with a selection of exclusive textile companies. These include cotton specialists, Cotton USA, who produced his iconic shirt range, and British knitwear specialists, John Smedley for their micro knitwear ranges. He has since moved back to his roots and built relationships with the renowned Scottish-based textile companies, creating his own exclusive fabrics with Holland & Sherry, Calzeat and most recently, Harris Tweed.
Deryck's link with Harris Tweed led him back to Cardonald College Glasgow. Earlier this year, Deryck was a guest mentor for HND Fashion Textiles students while they worked on a design project using Harris Tweed. He is currently working with HND Fashion Design students on a commercial shirt design project. His guidance and knowledge provides our students with an invaluable insight into the real world of fashion and textiles.
Deryck was awarded the prestigious title of ‘Fashion Designer of the Year' at the Scottish Style Awards in 2008 and 2009.