Laval, Quebec, Canada
A natural talent at a young age, Mikael Derderian was surrounded by creativity and design. Far advanced beyond his years, when he wasn't studying within the boundaries of school, he found himself exploring his skills within his parents' workshop. The son of a Canadian-Armenian father and Lebanese mother, who worked together designing as well as manufacturing children's clothing, the blood line of fashion ran thick within the eager young designer. Taking solitude within the sanctuary of his parent's workshop, Mikael Derderian felt very much at home. His imagination sprang to life from tracing patterns, cutting and manipulating fabrics, or even the very first skirt he designed and brought to life. More recently he took a leap of faith and by believing in his personal ability he established his own private label, MIKAEL D. His influential line is based on collections that intertwine myriad cultural influences …The result is accomplished excellence that knows no boundaries, yet with a true sense of identity all its’ own. This is the material of an exacting haute couture ethos and magical vitality coupled with a spur of contemporary energy. His first collection, which featured seven dresses literally "dressed up to the nines", captured both the eye and imagination, in a glorious tribute to the female silhouette. It was an unqualified success. Since then, the designer has expanded his collections and the number of sales outlets across the world. His work continues to glitter in the spotlight, at red carpet events, and gala evenings through a host of celebrities who have chosen to wear the outstanding craftsmanship of MIKAEL D. Mikael Derderian masters the design process to perfection, every step of the way. It is this expertise and know-how, from workshop to runway that set him apart from all others.
CEO / FOUNDER / CREATIVE DIRECTOR
President and Creative Director
Joined this internationally renowned luxury evening-wear company as Studio Director. Advanced rapidly to International Director of Sales and Development for the Ready-to-Wear Division, with responsibility for the development and sales of the Ready to Wear line distributed to over 70 points of sales around the world including such luxury department stores as Harrods, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue in the USA, Al Tayer Group (Harvey Nichols and Bloomingdales) and Al Manaa in the Middle East.
Strategically led the success of women’s specialty apparel brands by designing and developing licensed merchandise with strategies and a vision to achieve client satisfaction and exceed financial goals for retailers across stores, catalog, and web.
Drove merchandising strategy, product design, planning, manufacturing, and execution to maximize sales and profit of a multi million dollar women’s specialty apparel business, focusing on women’s denim, Contemporary Suits, woven tops, and outerwear.