Latest news with #DavidKoma
Forbes
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
David Koma's SS26 menswear show was one of the most talked about collections at Berlin Fashion Week
DAVID KOMA'S Runway Show Berlin Fashion Week SS26 by Reference Studios at Palais am FunkturmDavid Koma's Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show was never going to be quiet, but by choosing Berlin he nodded to the direction his menswear brand David Koma will take — full of verve and packed with subcultural references. At Berlin Fashion Week Koma took over Bruno Grimmek and Werner Düttmann's 1957 Palais am Funkturm for the Intervention initiative run by buzzy PR agency Reference Studios, an invite scheme for designers backed by funding from the German Fashion Council. His collection I Love David was a sharp blend of ego, irony, and iconography. England player David Beckham on his mobile phone at the launch of the Adidas 'I kiss Football' ... More campaign at adidas HQ in Stockport on March 15, 2001 . (Photo Gary M Prior/Allsport/Getty Images)For Koma, at the helm of Blumarine as creative director and known for bringing body-conscious evening wear into mid-2000s culture, his Berlin debut linked his love for Y2K that run through his throwback designs at Blumarine with a playful riff on the concept of David, from Beckham to the designer himself. The Intervention program gave Koma the opportunity to be eccentric with the concept of a muse. His collection zoned in on three Davids—David Beckham, Michelangelo's David, and David Koma. Beckham brought back classic 1990s headline moments— low-slung jeans, crystal-trimmed tanks, and a tongue-in-cheek rhinestone tee nodding to the footballer's iconic 'I Kiss Football' moment. Michelangelo's David counterbalanced this with draped marble-like tops, lace aprons rendered in crochet, and souvenir-shop camp reimagined as high fashion while Koma's own trademarks of tailoring, sculptural flourishes and sex appeal anchored the collection. Here he talks to Grace Banks about building a namesake brand that's both personal and commercial, the return of sex to the runway and maintaining a decades-long career in a rapidly evolving industry. DAVID KOMA Runway Show Berlin Fashion Week SS26 by Reference Studios at Palais am Funkturm, Berlin You're only a couple of seasons into you new menswear line, how does it feel like to show your spring 2026 collection in Berlin? You know, I consider myself both the customer and a creator of I Love David. I've never approached collections with that perspective before and it feels personal again. Showing in Berlin, a city I respect on so many levels, makes that choice even more personal. One of the most important things for me is that I would enjoy the moment, because very often things that I do, they're amazing, but I need to wait a day or two or a week just to kind of digest it all. I told myself I would enjoy the moment more this do you enjoy the moment? I've really tried to be present in every single part of the experience and not just the show, from sourcing material to the model castings. During the show, and even now talking to you, I really feel calm, happy and relaxed. So I do enjoy centered the collection on three Davids—including yourself! I'm a huge fan of David Beckham and his iconic style throughout so many decades. So I always had him on the mood board, and the more time passed it became clear how symbolic the name David is for me. My favorite sculpture is Michaelangelo's David. And then there's me, I'm in good did you work those very different David personas into a coherent collection? The draping, broaches and tailoring mixe the classical with contemporary. Then there is this whole kind of paparazzi era with the diamanté and the jeans. The models were wearing my glasses, that unified the whole look. Then there's a few signatures of this collection— the garter detail that we had over the couple of trousers. I wanted to add these spikes of sex and glamour so there are flower broaches inspired by KOMA Runway Show Berlin Fashion Week SS26 by Reference Studios at Palais am Funkturm, Berlin The lace apron is a reference to those aprons you get in Florence with Michelangelo's David on, but you wanted to elevate the materials. What was that process like? Yes it started with that, you know the lacy tourist aprons you get all over Florence. But I applied this really elevated technique, which is like a silk crochet by hand. It's very couture, but still staying true to the touristy souvenirs from Florence. So I thought, have a sense of humour—keep the basic shape but make the texture there similarities between the David Koma woman and man? The man is more edgy, like the guys in Berlin. The woman is glamourous—glamorous women love to date grungy guys so it works!You launched your namesake label in 2009 and joined Blumarine as creative director in 2024, one of the buzziest brands on the market now. How have you stayed so nimble and made sure your creative vision was in the market over the years? You need to obsessed you really do. Access and opportunity are key too. Obsession really is essential. With what, trust me, you'll be successful.
Fashion United
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion United
Berlin Fashion Week: Collections rooted in the zeitgeist
Brands like Ottolinger and David Koma injected new momentum into Berlin Fashion Week for the spring/summer 2026 season. With 36 shows, the programme may be shorter than that of other fashion capitals, yet it offers something unique. Here, designers work closely with the spirit of the times (the famous German Zeitgeist), often addressing important and current themes in their collections. While some designers made clear, literal statements on the catwalk, introspection, the questioning of gender roles and inspirations from the past dominated the spring/summer 2026 collections. Here's a report. Introverted romanticism In previous seasons, Berlin-based brand Richert Beil often radically addressed unsettling current affairs. For spring/summer 2026, the collection and theme are softer. The founders took advantage of their move to a new studio to focus on their immediate environment, under the title "Milieuschutz" (environmental protection). They approached the term as a metaphor to reflect on the protection of 'values, methods and ideas'. These are lost in the speed and superficiality of today's fashion system. Richert Beil spring/summer 2026 Credits: Tomm Funk Richert Beil's collection attempts to preserve poetry by remaining both romantic and precise. Tailoring returns as a central element with traditional cuts, uniforms and classic suiting elements. These are often accompanied by floral patterns. Silk trousers and handmade lace blouses create a sense of intimacy. Faced with the fragility of our times, it seems important to refocus on one's personal values. The final look perfectly illustrates the concept. The sound of rain that accompanied the show faded. An older model entered the humid room wearing a long black latex coat-dress. Its heaviness was mitigated by dark flowers on the sleeve and side. In these uncertain times, protection is necessary, but so is poetry to maintain hope. From left to right: Milk of Lime, Marke Credits: Andreas-Hofrichter The quest for romanticism is also introspective in other brands. A chorus of bells on a black lace-up top opened the Milk of Lime show. This was followed by other detail-rich looks with poetic nuances. Finally, a T-shirt with the phrase: 'I demand Poetry' appeared. In troubled times, the desire for poetry can be a statement. Romanticism is also an important theme in Marke's spring/summer 2026 collection. It explores the forbidden love stories of queer teenagers. Marke took a lighter and brighter note with designer Mario. The silhouettes soften, and flowers migrate to the sleeves of jackets. They are no longer hidden in secret sweet nothings – small rolls of paper that completed the styling of the first looks. Role play The play with menswear codes did not stop at Marke. David Koma presented his brand's menswear collection in Berlin for the first time. He also played with the identities and images of modern masculinity. The collection's title, 'I love David', refers not only to himself, but also to cultural icon and footballer David Beckham. It also refers to the classical sculpture of David by Italian artist Michelangelo – and their styles. Slightly faded low-rise jeans from the 2000s, David souvenir aprons and a pinstripe suit covered in sequins invite a conversation about the image of man between idol and individual. Berlin-based brand GmbH also explored menswear codes in a subtle way – from cape shirts to cropped T-shirts and delicate pink cotton shorts. Designer Marie Lüder played with roles in her collection. She revisited classic fairytale and legend characters in the context of a modern metropolis. The heroine may be the single mother, and the princess is a satire of masculinity, explained Lueder's collection notes. From left to right: GmbH, Marke, Lueder spring/summer 2026 Credits: Finnegan Koichi Godenschweger for Berlin Fashion Week, Andreas Hofrichter, Finnegan Koichi Godenschweger for Berlin Fashion Week Female identities were also questioned. Clara Miramon dedicated her collection to often invisible caregivers. She combined 1960s nurses' uniforms and orthopaedic design with gathered fabrics and laced corsets. Laura Gerte delved into the complexity of feminine experiences with tight-fitting fishnet, torn jersey and draped T-shirts. From left to right: Lueder, Laura Gerte, Clara Miramon spring/summer 2026 Credits: Finnegan Koichi Godenschweger & James Cochrane for Berlin Fashion Week Back to childhood After a minute's silence in memory of the victims of Gaza and in the face of genocide, GmbH presented a deeply personal collection. Designers Benjamin Huseby and Serhat Isik drew on their childhood memories for it. 'We tried to embody play and joy while facing despair,' the duo wrote in their show booklet for 'Imitation of Life'. GmbH goes back to childhood for spring/summer 2026. Credits: Finnegan Koichi Godenschweger The show's title is explained by Huseby and Isik's feeling of being like sleepwalkers or ghosts in the face of the world's cruelty. In these times of 'moral collapse', they no longer feel connected to reality. The designs are intended for all aspects of life, real or not. They drew elements of costumes for the circumcision feast from their childhood – such as scarves or the Turkish expression 'Mashallah'. This term is used to express gratitude for something beautiful or a positive event. It is also used to ward off evil. GmbH inscribed the formula on the hem of cropped T-shirts. Some adults cling to their childhood memories as a form of escape. This observation was part of the inspiration for Sia Arnika's spring/summer 2026 collection. The result is clothes that are too tight and too suggestive in places where they shouldn't be. It is as if they were made from memories and not logic. For spring/summer 2026, SFO1G also looks inwards, seeking to capture the collective nostalgia of the teenage years. Digital knights Lueder presented their collection in a digital medieval legend universe. Knights battle a metallic dragon-monster. A bard's song opened the show. Pixie bonnets and streetwear armour are an integral part of this twist-filled world. So are protective hoods and talismanic belt buckles. The catwalk thus interweaves history, imagination and performance. Lueder spring/summer 2026 Credits: Finnegan Koichi Godenschweger for Berlin Fashion Week Medieval chivalry and the digital world are also the inspiration for Iden. The brand presented its designs as an installation during Berlin Fashion Week. Iden's installation merges the figure of the knight with digitally inspired prints. Credits: Celine Witon for the Fashion Council Germany FashionUnited attended Berlin Fashion Week at the invitation of the Fashion Council Germany. This article was translated to English using an AI tool. FashionUnited uses AI language tools to speed up translating (news) articles and proofread the translations to improve the end result. This saves our human journalists time they can spend doing research and writing original articles. Articles translated with the help of AI are checked and edited by a human desk editor prior to going online. If you have questions or comments about this process email us at info@
NDTV
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Bhumi Pednekar Is An Ethereal Vision In White In A David Koma Power Suit
When Bhumi Pednekar decides to get dolled up, it's always a treat for fans. The actress, who was last seen in the Netflix series The Royals, is once again making headlines in the fashion sphere. This time, it's her regal boss-lady charm that has commanded attention and for all the right reasons. Bhumi Pednekar rested her faith on London-based designer label David Koma. She made a case for quiet luxury in a two-piece pantsuit. The off-white silhouette featured a tailored blazer. Padded shoulders and full sleeves offered a structured appeal. Meanwhile, the billowy number showed Bhumi's love for relaxed and easy-breezy fits. Double pockets on either side of her waist added to the functionality. Bhumi Pednekar teamed her blazer with a pair of matching flared trousers. The loose-fitted bottomwear plunged into a floor-skimming length, serving a semi-formal, laid-back vibe. But the stand-out part of her power suit was a scarf draped casually over her shoulder. The asymmetrical silhouette comprising delicate pleats came in an identical white shade. It contributed a touch of unconventional and whimsical flair to her attire. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bhumi Pednekar (@bhumipednekar) In terms of accessories, Bhumi Pednekar delivered maximalism with minimalism. She opted for chunky silver studs and statement diamond rings. That was all about her chic jewellery outing as the actress skipped wearing any necklace or bracelets so as not to overpower her look. And how could she have gone wrong by choosing white Christian Louboutin stilettos? Bhumi Pednekar's on-fleek makeup helped her sleek avatar pop out more. She went with a dewy-glam base and applied some rosy blush on the cheeks for contrast. Little contour on the high points defined her features. On the other hand, a few drops of highlighter gave a subtle shimmery effect. Pink plump lips were the right beauty move while winged eyeliner and mascara-adorned fluttery lashes added depth to her gaze. For the finishing touches, Bhumi Pednekar's brunette tresses, styled messily, framed her face like a true work of art. Bhumi Penekar's sarortial diaries are surely meant for the books. Agreed?
Vogue
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
David Koma Berlin Spring 2026 Collection
No matter what expectations and ideas one might have had for David Koma's first menswear runway show, in the end it turned out quite differently. The title of the collection, I Love David, could have suggested that it would be a self-indulgent, autobiographical exploration of his life in fashion. Instead, he chose to place himself in direct comparison with his namesake: Michelangelo's David. How do all men want to dress at their best? 'It was my most personal collection to date, partly because I took on several roles: muse, designer, and customer,' said Koma backstage, surrounded by friends and journalists. Anyone familiar with Koma's womenswear may have had a very specific image in mind of what his menswear would look like. Black, cool, very body-conscious and clear in its sexy message. Instead we saw preppy and sporty joggers, oversized houndstooth patterns, and light resort shirts paired with gray suit pants. Even the tuxedo wasn't black this time, with Koma sending it down the runway in a dark beige. It seemed as if he wanted to play a little with contrasts that have never been so clear in his design language before. Rarely was it about necessity; everything was purely for the look. And when in doubt, that often meant combining a voluminous fur coat with ripped jeans and sandals. 'The desire to now also do men's fashion wasn't just based on the desire to expand our brand. I also wanted to learn new things and train my design muscles,' Koma said with a grin. He was wearing an 'I Love David' shirt under his jacket.
Vogue
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
David Koma Resort 2026 Collection
David Koma had just returned from Stromboli, where he'd been on set shooting a Blumarine lookbook, when it was time to present his own resort collection in London. Lace, pearls, and sugar-rush pastels—signatures more closely linked to Blumarine than to the graphic, femme-fatale-coded vision of his namesake womenswear—cooed from the rails of his Shoreditch studio. The influence was fun to speculate on, but Koma was sure to dismiss any direct comparisons between his respective brands. 'I always swing between extremes,' he explained. 'Last season was tough, whereas this time, I wanted to see how soft I could take it while still making the clothes feel strong and empowering to women. I wanted to use femininity as a sort of weapon.' Koma set forth on his mission with a rewatch of the hit series Mad Men—the 1960s remain his favorite decade in fashion—and found inspiration in its glamorous female leads, who, beneath their sweet floral-print dresses, were often more hardcore, and hardened, than their male counterparts. He sought to channel that tension into clothes where flowers became a kind of battledress: chrome stems clutching bikini bottoms and tracing babydoll dress cutouts; three-dimensional silk roses puncturing nude-illusion inserts on draped and deconstructed satin gowns. Elsewhere, circles of studded denim and bonded lace were hand-appliquéd across bralettes, pant sets, and boudoir-ish minidresses to form barbed clusters. The designer's notes might well have read: 'You can look, but you can't touch.' It would, of course, be a struggle to imagine Betty Draper and her peers in looks as revealing as these, but fashion is in a different place now. For example: Koma transformed the notion of tweed two-pieces into sequin-scattered cocktail dresses, and twinsets and pearls into pearl-encrusted hotpants in buttercup yellows and powdery lilacs. This lighter-than-usual palette was informed by the American pop artist Mel Ramos, whose 2014 lithograph Maidenform Molly—in which a striped figure is depicted with an absent square at her bust—influenced this season's hazard-tape leather skirts and T-shirt dresses with stark holes in the torso that, in Koma's words, 'mimicked a television.' The designer has spent a lot of time replaying the past, but his next task will be to consider his own: he's spent 15 years in the business, and should celebrate the milestone away from a screen—that includes a viewfinder in Stromboli.
