Sander Lak, the acclaimed designer and creative force behind the once-beloved New York label Sies Marjan, is making a significant return to the fashion landscape. He is set to launch his own eponymous brand, stylized as Sanderlak, marking a new chapter in his distinguished career. This venture signifies a fresh start for Lak, who aims to introduce a new perspective to the realm of luxury fashion, building upon the anticipation and respect he garnered with Sies Marjan.

The new label, Sanderlak, is deeply rooted in Lak’s personal journey and artistic vision. It will be menswear-inspired, with collections profoundly shaped by his diverse global upbringing—having lived in Malaysia, Gabon, Scotland, and the Netherlands—and his continuous "ongoing exploration of identity and place." A unique aspect of Sanderlak will be its conceptual anchor: each collection will center around a specific location. This chosen place will intricately inform the line's themes, color palettes, fabric choices, textures, and overall demeanor, promising a narrative depth to the clothing.

Sanderlak is slated to release two main collections annually. While grounded in menswear, these collections are thoughtfully designed to transcend traditional gender boundaries, fostering an inclusive approach to luxury apparel. This reflects a contemporary understanding of fashion where fluidity and personal expression are paramount. The brand's debut collection is eagerly anticipated and will be unveiled through private appointments during Paris Fashion Week Men’s this month.

Lak’s return is backed by a formidable background in fashion. He holds a Master’s degree in menswear from the prestigious Central Saint Martins in London, following foundational studies at ArtEZ in Arnhem. His professional journey is rich and varied, including formative roles at 3.1 Phillip Lim in New York and Balmain in Paris. Notably, he spent five influential years designing both menswear and womenswear at Dries Van Noten in Antwerp, an experience that undoubtedly honed his craft and aesthetic sensibilities.

Before embarking on Sanderlak, Lak was renowned for Sies Marjan, which he launched in New York in 2016. Named after his parents, the label quickly gained cult-favourite status and critical acclaim for its vibrant use of color and luxurious textures. Sies Marjan was supported by prominent backers, including billionaire husband and wife Nancy and Howard Marks, and achieved significant milestones, such as prime placement in high-end retailers like Barneys New York. Lak's work with Sies Marjan earned him the CFDA Emerging Designer of the Year award in 2018, alongside multiple other industry nominations. However, despite its success, Sies Marjan was forced to cease operations in 2020 due to the severe financial repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new venture, Sanderlak, is funded in part by angel investors, indicating confidence in Lak's vision and his ability to navigate the contemporary fashion market. As he prepares to present his first collection, the fashion world watches with keen interest to see how his unique blend of personal narrative, location-based inspiration, and gender-fluid design will resonate and shape his new brand's identity.