The fourth floor of Neiman Marcus was a sea of black, leather, and sky-high sandals on Thursday, March 27, for the fashionable reception of hometown hero, Derek Lam, to celebrate the latest collection for his eponymous line’s hipper, younger sister 10 Crosby. Along with the impeccably cool Liz Giardina, the brand’s VP and lead designer, Lam sat down with 7x7 Fashion Director Lauren Goodman to discuss SF style, inspiration, and his favorite pieces in the collection (ahem, statement outerwear).

In between shout-outs to his family—his sisters and mom were in the audience, and his partner made an appearance via cellphone video chat—Lam divulged his fascination with architects, enduring inspiration in SF’s individuality, and dining plans during his trip (you may have spotted him at Zuni or Tosca this weekend). But the designer’s eyes lit up most when models glided by in the 10 Crosby looks: Lam’s architectural interests, as well as Giardina’s background in sculpture, were inherent in the minimalist lines, urban color palette, and unexpected details. Guests sipped Champagne and snacked on vegetable spring rolls as a leopard print maxi dress, striped poplin shirtdress, and head-to-toe white ushered in spring. Looks also featured platform sandals and calf hair mules from the designer's shoe line. Click through the slideshow to check out some of our favorite looks!

Photography courtesy of Drew Altizer.