Editorial 16 MAR / DESIGNER FOCUS
David Koma has given LUMEN an exclusive invitation into his private sketch house—a rare glimpse into the creative sanctuary where his visionary designs come to life.
David Koma, gracing our very first edition of THE BIG TEASE newspaper platform—a space created by artists, for artists, highlighting the importance of unwinding and self-care during the intense fashion season. Explore our feature on David Koma and discover how he navigates the balance between creativity and well-being.
Photographer Christopher Polack , talent David Koma , Editor-in-Chief Sayuri Bloom , Photo Editor & BTS Photo Emily Georg , Groom Samantha Coles , Styling Sayuri Bloom , video Bobby Leon , photo assist @richparkesphoto
EXPLORE THE FULL FEATURE
London based designer David Koma in an exclusive feature for our newest platform THE BIG TEASE debut issue. Highlighting topics and stories for our upcoming collectible Book LUMEN -The Auric Epoch
DAVID KOMA
Master of Modern Power Dressing: David Koma at the Helm of Change
David Koma has long been a name associated with power, precision, and modern femininity. Known for his architectural silhouettes and sculptural designs, the Georgian-born designer has built a distinctive identity in contemporary fashion. Now, with two transformative moves—the second reveal of his menswear collection and his appointment as Creative Director at Blumarine—Koma stands at the forefront of a new creative chapter. These milestones perfectly align with LUMEN’s vision for “Glow Beyond – The Auric Epoch,” an exploration of transformation and radiance in fashion.
Blumarine, famed for its flirtatious sensuality and Y2K-inspired revival, enters an exciting phase under Koma’s direction. His aesthetic—sharp, bold, and undeniably modern—will infuse the house with renewed sophistication, bridging Blumarine’s playful heritage with Koma’s contemporary edge. He has expressed admiration for the brand’s iconic past while signaling his intent to push boundaries and redefine Blumarine for a new generation. Koma envisions evolving the house’s signature codes by blending its romantic roots with his own architectural precision, promising a future of daring elegance. His goal is to create collections that celebrate sensuality while amplifying the power and confidence of the Blumarine wearer.
Parallel to his role at Blumarine, Koma’s menswear launch is another bold step. Designed to complement his established womenswear language, his menswear collection balances everyday wear with statement tailoring. It reflects Koma’s drive to build a “complete Koma world,” where strength, elegance, and innovation coexist. This foray into menswear challenged him to work with new personalities, offering a fresh perspective while solidifying his signature aesthetic across genders.
These developments resonate deeply with LUMEN’s theme “Glow Beyond – The Auric Epoch.” It symbolizes the golden light of creative evolution—the fusion of heritage and future, where designers transcend established boundaries. Tapping into the heartbeat of time and trends, this forward thinking keeps us excited about David Koma’s vision. It feels like merging two worlds, the urban style of East London and the sophisticated and traditional style of Milan. This electric energy peaks backstage at Fashion Week—the high-intensity heartbeat of the industry. There, under pressure and adrenaline, collections are brought to life. The tension, the final touch-ups, the racing models—all culminate in a single moment of revelation on the runway. That first step onto the catwalk is not just a presentation; it is the release of weeks of work, the unveiling of a designer’s vision.
“I thrive on the electrifying energy and relentless momentum of a fashion show—the controlled chaos where creativity moves at the speed of instinct. The experience is truly unique, as time itself seems to dissolve in the rush of last-minute adjustments. This is the moment I live for—the unveiling of a collection in its purest, most theatrical form. Each model becomes integral to the storytelling, embodying distinct characters within the larger narrative, breathing life into the designs. It feels truly magical to witness 40 women in my designs all at once, each a living extension of my imagination and my creative process.
With THE BIG TEASE, LUMEN aims to capture this very essence—the magnetic aura that precedes a reveal, the pulse of creation beneath the polish of a final look. We invite our readers to experience this energy, to feel the heat of backstage, the quick changes, the whispered instructions—all feeding into the moment when a collection finally meets the world.
David Koma’s presence in our upcoming collectible issue embodies this spirit. His creative journey reflects the broader narrative we seek to tell: one of reinvention, resilience, and brilliance under pressure. This collaboration stands as a bridge between the fast-paced drama of Fashion Week and the permanence of print. In these pages, we celebrate Koma’s evolution and capture the glow of the Auric Epoch—a future where legacy and innovation converge, and creativity shines beyond limits.
