Georgia born David Koma is one of London’s most exciting new designers.
Koma’s Central Saint Martins graduate collection was an ambitious and
graphic womenswear collection showcasing his trademark awareness of the female form.
Consisting of powerful body-conscious dresses trimmed with innovative
metal embellishments instantly gained a huge press following.
This launched Koma into London Fashion Week’s runway arena, showing to
a full house for the last two seasons. Koma is going from strength to strength
and this season he’s been awarded the NEW GEN sponsorship package
with which he will show his S/S11 collection on the main catwalk at
Somerset House on Monday 20th September 2010. Kim Howells speaks to
Koma about his work, his life and his dreams for the future.
Kim Howells: Since graduating from Central Saint Martins life has moved
very quickly for you. Tell us about some of the highlights.
David Koma: Since I’ve graduated, everything was so quick that sometimes
I just couldn’t understand what was happening. I just tried to deliver
a good collection and hope to succeed. Obviously, I’ve become more
experienced and now I’m ready for anything. Some of the highlights would
be my first solo show in September 2009 and Beyoncé wearing one of
my dresses for the MTV Europe Music Awards. Now, winning New Gen,
sponsored by Topshop, for the September show.
KH: How would you describe the David Koma brand?
DK: My designs are always based on a strong and sexual silhouette.
I love to work with shapes, trying to unite female spirit with contemporary art.
Exaggerating, but never crossing the line. The most important thing
in my collections, for me, is quality of the garment as well as the perfect fit.
Every season I have one or two unusual techniques and I find it really
interesting to work with various unexpected materials such as metal or glass.
I use a lot of handwork giving the clothes a couture feel. It becomes
something special and timeless.
KH: What is the best part of your job?
DK: My job means everything to me. I really like the design process
in general: sometimes as soon as I finish one season, or even a week
before the new collection is finished, I already have some ideas in
my mind for the next one. Sometimes I may be walking in the street
and get a feeling about what I want for the next collection. It usually comes
to me in a very natural way. The best part is the beginning of collection,
when I can’t handle all of the ideas coming into my head at the same time.
I’m going absolutely crazy, can’t sleep at night for a few weeks,
can’t talk to anyone, I just drink Coke and smoke a lot – just draw and draw!
On and on……..
KH: Where can we buy David Koma?
DK: In London, it’s Harrods and Browns Focus. And worldwide: LuisaViaRoma,
Italy; Joyce, Hong Kong; Kuznetsky Most 20 and Tsvetnoy DS, both in Moscow;
Sanahunt, Ukraine; Atelier 55, Istanbul; and 4, Kuwait
KH: How do you feel having just been awarded NEW GEN Sponsorship?
DK: It feels great. I’m so excited to be on the schedule at London Fashion Week
to show my S/S11 collection. I’ve found working on this season really special.
I’m challenging myself in every aspect of the design process.
CREDITS:
Photographer: Thomas Cooksey
Stylist: Kim Howells
Hair: Kenna at Terrie Tanaka using WELLA
Makeup: Yin Lee at Premier Hair and Makeup
Photographer Assistant: Tom Moran
Stylist Assistants: Reuben Esser and Louby McLoughlin
Hair Assistant: Sophia Heffer at Kennaland
Model: Alek at Select