Derrick Miller

 

1. Describe your look.

Vintage street dandy with a rock ‘n’ roll spirit

2. Why shoes?'

I thought it was an underserved medium.  English shoes have always been the best in the world; they have also always been the most boring!  I took it as a challenge that if the shoes are going to last 20 years they need to look good for 20 years, but they don't necessarily have to be dull and boring as they had been for hundreds of years!

3. What advice would you give an aspiring fashion designer?

Always keep your mind open to new ideas and new avenues. I studied marketing and photography at college in Paris.

4. It can’t be easy to get where you are, what was your one big break?

I wrote a creative letter to Ralph Lauren (the man, not the company), he liked it, called me in for an interview and hired me that day wearing my Salvation Army suit I bought for $19.99.

5. Do you have a fashion icon?

I have a few people I admire, Fred Astaire, Pharell, Lapo Elkann…I always admire people who aren't afraid to take chances with their wardrobe.

6. What wouldn’t you be caught dead wearing?

Flip-flops and a suit.

7. Can we ever expect a Barker Black women’s shoe?

At the moment we have a decent female customer base, if you are lucky enough to have size 9 or above we can fit you in one of our men's shoes… We have several female models as customers in New York.

8. What’s the one thing a person should look for when buying a high quality shoe?

I always look at the quality of the leather, if it feels wimpy and flimsy now wait until you've worn it a few times…There is just a solid feeling a shoe should have that is more an aura than one particular detail to look for.  That said, any shoe with a hand-tacked design on the waist of the shoe is a quality shoe.

9. When you visit Orange County from New York, where do you like to stay and dine?

The last time I was in the OC my wife and I sequestered ourselves in a villa at the Pelican Hill Resort and absolutely LOVED it.

10. What do you do to relax?

Vintage shopping still relaxes me and I love the thrill of the hunt… I also find flying very relaxing.

11. What does Barker Black’s skull and crossbones logo mean to you?

I love that it has equal parts history, rebellion and rock ‘n’ roll

12. Will we ever see a Barker Black flip-flop?

They just came in this season espadrille flip-flops and leather bottoms next season.

13. How would you distinguish New York men’s style from Orange County/Los Angeles?

In New York people spend a lot of money trying to look rich in Los Angeles people spend a lot of money trying to look poor/disheveled.

14. How has becoming a dad changed you?

I take a lot more time for my family these days, which I think has mellowed me out.

15. Favorite vacation spot?

Hotel du Cap. Hands down.

16. Favorite drink?

Mojito and Pol Roger Champagne.

17. What can’t you live without?

My girls (wife Jennifer and daughter Tallulah).

18. If you had to begin a different career, what would you do?

Film director or fashion photographer.

19. Home is New York City for you. Can you suggest a place for our readers to go next time we’re out there?

I love Peels, great classic American food, nice atmosphere and home made graham crackers (seriously if you haven't had a home made one, you've never actually eaten a graham cracker).

20. What’s next on your list of things to do?

One of my new favorites!  It’s bath night for Tallulah.