{{short description|Georgian fashion designer}} {{Infobox fashion designer | image = | caption = | name = David Koma <br><big>{{nobold|დავით კომა}}</big> | birth_date = | birth_place = Tbilisi, Georgia | death_date = | death_place = | education = Central Saint Martins | label_name = David Koma (from 2009) Mugler (2013 - 2017) Blumarine (from 2024) | spouse = | children = | awards = }} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2023}} '''Davit Komakhidze''' ({{lang-ka|დავით კომახიძე}}) known as '''David Koma''' (stylized as '''DΛVID KOMΛ''') is a Georgian fashion designer based in London, England.
Koma established his eponymous luxury womenswear fashion brand in 2009 and has been showing his collections during London Fashion Week ever since.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=About us |url=https://davidkoma.com/pages/about-us |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=David Koma |language=en}}</ref>
Internationally acclaimed celebrities often turn to the designer for red carpet looks, including Beyonce,<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7550120/designer-david-koma-beyonce-mugler-interview|title=Designer David Koma on Dressing Beyoncé & His Plans for Mugler: Exclusive|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-01-09}}</ref> Dua Lipa,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-12 |title=Dua Joins The "Koma Girl" Club |url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/news/article/dua-lipa-david-koma-dress |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=British Vogue |language=en-GB}}</ref> Jennifer Lopez,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oprahmag.com/style/g23707127/jennifer-lopez-sexy-outfits/|title=If *That* Hustlers Scene Wasn't Enough, More of J.Lo's Jaw-Dropping Looks Ahead|last1=Fern|first1=Celia|last2=ez|date=2020-01-02|website=Oprah Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-09}}</ref> Cara Delevingne,<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/red-carpet-dresses/a28819647/cara-delevingne-sequin-naked-dress-carnival-row/|title=Cara Delevingne Shines on the Red Carpet in a Sequined Naked Dress|last=Gonzales|first=Erica|date=2019-08-26|magazine=Harper's BAZAAR|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-09}}</ref> Kendall Jenner,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/kendall-jenner-naked-dress-miami|title=Kendall Jenner Just Might Wear A Naked Dress Better Than Carrie Bradshaw|website=British Vogue|date=9 December 2019 |language=en-GB|access-date=2020-01-09}}</ref> Rosie Huntington-Whiteley,<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a29638261/rosie-huntington-whiteley-cutout-gown/|title=Rosie Hungtinton-Whiteley Evokes Old Hollywood Glamour in a Cut-Out Dress|last=Sanchez|first=Chelsey|date=2019-10-30|magazine=Harper's BAZAAR|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-09}}</ref> Blackpink,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Malach |first=Hannah |date=2023-04-23 |title=Blackpink's Coachella Outfits, A Closer Look: Mugler Bodysuits, David Koma Chainmail, 3D Florals and More During Weekend Two Performances |url=https://wwd.com/pop-culture/celebrity-news/blackpink-coachella-outfits-performances-1235624489/ |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=WWD |language=en-US}}</ref> and Adele<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.starstyle.com/adele-vogue-questions-interview-youtube-video-sp539933/ |title=Adele Vogue's Youtube Video 73 Questions October 21, 2021 |date=22 October 2021 }}</ref> to mention a few.
From July 2013 to December 2017, he worked as the creative director of Mugler.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Socha |first=Miles |date=2013-12-13 |title=Thierry Mugler Names David Koma Artistic Director |url=https://wwd.com/feature/thierry-mugler-taps-david-koma-7312059-141273/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=WWD |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yotka |first=Steff |date=2017-12-05 |title=Meet Mugler's New Creative Director, Casey Cadwallader |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/mugler-casey-cadwallader-creative-director |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}}</ref> He is currently the creative director of Blumarine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zargani |first=Luisa |date=2024-07-31 |title=Blumarine Names David Koma Creative Director |url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/designer-luxury/blumarine-appoints-david-koma-creative-director-1236511044/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=WWD |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Personal life== Koma was born in Tbilisi, Georgia<ref name="Thierry Mugler Names David Koma Artistic Director">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/designer-luxury/thierry-mugler-taps-david-koma-7312059?src=n/newsAlert/20131213-1|title=Thierry Mugler Names David Koma Artistic Director|author=Socha, Miles|date=12 December 2013|publisher=WWD|accessdate=13 December 2013}}</ref> but moved to Saint Petersburg, Russia, at the age of nine.<ref>Véronique Hyland (11 June 2014), [https://www.thecut.com/2014/06/koma-on-his-new-mugler-job-dressing-a-jagger.html David Koma on His New Job at Mugler, Dressing Georgia May Jagger] ''New York''.</ref> He relocated to London in 2003 and has been residing in Shoreditch, East London for over a decade.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hashish |first=Amira |date=2022-12-13 |title=Fashion designer David Koma's 'endlessly inspirational' London area |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/homesandproperty/where-to-live/why-i-live-in-shoreditch-designer-david-koma-london-area-b1046679.html |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=Evening Standard |language=en}}</ref> Koma has a younger brother and sister.{{cn|date=November 2024}}
==Education== Koma discovered his penchant for drawing and dress design at the age of eight.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.interviewmagazine.com/fashion/david-koma|title=Child Star: David Koma|date=2011-09-19|website=Interview Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-09}}</ref> To pursue his interests, Koma studied Fine Art in Saint Petersburg, taking part in design competitions from age 13 and showing his first collection at the age of 15.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.swarovskigroup.com/collaborations/David-Koma.html|title=David Koma – Swarovski Group|last=swarovskigroup.com|first=Swarovski Group-|website=swarovskigroup.com|language=en|access-date=2020-01-09}}</ref>
In 2003 Koma moved to London to take up a place at the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design.<ref name=":0" /> After completing his BA in Fashion Design, Koma graduated with an MA Fashion in April 2009,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/fashion/article/6196/1/watching-david-koma|title=Watching David Koma|last=Dazed|date=2010-01-12|website=Dazed|language=en|access-date=2020-01-09}}</ref> winning a Harrods Design Award at the Graduate Fashion Week.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/4743088/David-Koma-MA-Graduate-of-Central-Saint-Martins-receives-award.html|title=David Koma, MA Graduate of Central Saint Martins receives award|last=Alexander|first=Hilary|journal=The Daily Telegraph|location=London |date=2009-02-21|access-date=2020-01-09|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
==Career== [[File:Scarlett Johansson (48471901897).jpg|alt=|thumb|Scarlett Johansson wears David Koma Jumpsuit at 2019 San Diego Comic Con. ]] [[File:Beyoncé - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - 1st June 2023 (41 of 118) (52945302857).jpg|thumb|Beyonce and dancers wearing David Koma clothing during The Renaissance World Tour.]] Straight after graduation Koma launched his eponymous ready-to-wear brand and has been a participant of London Fashion Week ever since.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://londonfashionweek.co.uk/designers_profile.aspx?DesignerID=1387|title=London Fashion Week – DAVID KOMA|website=londonfashionweek.co.uk|access-date=2020-01-09|archive-date=25 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025194609/https://londonfashionweek.co.uk/designers_profile.aspx?DesignerID=1387|url-status=dead}}</ref>
David Koma brand has become synonymous with the ultra body-contouring silhouette, creating sculptural statement dresses inspired by the feminine form. The house is often commended for the couture-like finishes of the garments, whether it is the gravity-defying opulent hand embroidery or sleek and contemporary exemplary cut silhouette.<ref name=":1" />
Alongside the bodycon Silhouette that propelled the designer onto the international stage, David Koma ready-to-wear offering has expanded to include a full range of options from precise daywear separates in denim and leather, to beautifully tailored outerwear, showstopping red carpet gowns, and impeccably cut jumpsuits.<ref name=":1" />
David Koma collections are inspired by the female form.<ref name=":1" /> The brand’s muses are often historically iconic women in the male-dominated fields: from marine biologist Dr Sylvia Earle,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-18 |title=David Koma Spring 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection |url=https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2023-ready-to-wear/david-koma |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}}</ref> to pioneering women of motorsport - Adeline and Augusta Van Buren<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-14 |title=David Koma Pre-Fall 2022 Collection |url=https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/pre-fall-2022/david-koma |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}}</ref> or Lily Parr<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-20 |title=5 Things To Know About David Koma's Sporty-Meets-Sexy AW22 Show |url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/gallery/david-koma-aw22 |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=British Vogue |language=en-GB}}</ref> - a successful 1920’s female footballer.
Singer Beyoncé was the first celebrity to support the designer, wearing a dress by Koma in 2009, for the MTV Europe Music Awards, which was from his Central Saint Martins graduate collection.<ref>André Wheeler (28 March 2022), [https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/28/style/david-koma-beyonce-dress.html Behind Beyoncé’s Viral Oscars Dress] ''The New York Times''.</ref> Beyonce has since worn the brand multiple times for memorable appearances including for Be Alive performance at 2022's Academy Awards and during Renaissance World Tour.
From December 2013 until December 2017, Koma held the position of creative director at Mugler, sharing his time between London and Paris while simultaneously running his eponymous label.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vogue.com/article/mugler-casey-cadwallader-creative-director|title=Meet Mugler's New Creative Director, Casey Cadwallader|last=Yotka|first=Steff|work=Vogue|date=5 December 2017 |language=en|access-date=2020-01-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG10515282/David-Koma-appointed-creative-director-at-Thierry-Mugler.html|title=David Koma appointed creative director at Thierry Mugler – Telegraph|website=fashion.telegraph.co.uk|date=9 June 2015 |access-date=2020-01-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=David Koma quitte Mugler |url=https://www.numero.com/fr/david-koma-quitte-mugler |access-date=19 March 2024 |website=Numéro Magazine}}</ref>
On 31 July 2024, Koma was appointed as creative director of Blumarine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zargani |first=Luisa |date=2024-07-31 |title=Blumarine Names David Koma Creative Director |url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/designer-luxury/blumarine-appoints-david-koma-creative-director-1236511044/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=WWD |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Recognition== Over the years, the David Koma brand has received numerous prizes including Vauxhall Fashion Scout in 2009,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/vauxhall-fashion-scout-announces-merit-award-winner|title=Talent Scout Winner|website=British Vogue|date=3 August 2009 |language=en-GB|access-date=2020-01-09}}</ref> NEWGEN sponsorship in 2010<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.elleuk.com/fashion/news/newgen-winners-announced|title=NEWGEN winners announced, with Holly Fulton and David Koma winning catwalk support|last=Uk|first=Elle|date=2010-12-14|website=ELLE|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-01-09}}</ref> and Fashion Forward in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://londonfashionweek.co.uk/news_detail.aspx?ID=497|title=London Fashion Week – Fashion Forward 2013|website=londonfashionweek.co.uk|access-date=2020-01-09|archive-date=6 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006131433/http://londonfashionweek.co.uk/news_detail.aspx?ID=497|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2020, David Koma won the British Fashion Council / Vogue Fashion Fund, after being shortlisted in both 2018 and 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-11 |title=Get To Know All The Winners From The 2020 BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund |url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/news/gallery/bfc-vogue-designer-fashion-fund-finalists-2020 |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=British Vogue |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britishfashioncouncil.co.uk/pressreleases/BFC-Vogue-Designer-Fashion-Fund-2018-Shortlist-Announced|title=British Fashion Council|website=britishfashioncouncil.co.uk|access-date=2020-01-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/meet-2019-bfc-vogue-fashion-fund-finalists|title=Meet The BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2019 Finalists|website=British Vogue|date=May 2019 |language=en-GB|access-date=2020-01-09}}</ref>
==See also== *Lako Bukia, Georgian fashion designer based in London *Tata Naka, Georgian dress label based in London *Demna Gvasalia, Georgian fashion designer, creative director of Balenciaga
==References== {{reflist}}
{{commons category|David Koma}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Koma, David}} Category:British fashion designers Category:Artists from Tbilisi Category:Emigrants from Georgia (country) to England Category:Fashion designers from Georgia (country) Category:Alumni of Central Saint Martins Category:Living people Category:Emigrants from Georgia (country) to Russia Category:Businesspeople from London Category:Year of birth missing (living people)