On February 18, NASA’s Perseverance Rover landed on the surface of Mars. Telescopes and probes roam the even-farther reaches of the universe, looking for signs and solutions. Will we find new life or a black hole?
If that doesn’t feel like an apt analogy for living through a pandemic and trying to come out the other side, whatever that means, well, what does? In East London, David Koma found himself inspired by the awe and potential of space travel and the Space Age, a pursuit at once scientific (known) and romantic (unknown). Koma has pushed himself boldly into the future this year more than ever, constantly fine-tuning his output to feel right for women’s lives right now. For fall 2021, he offers a bit of problem solving: Stretch unitards and bodysuits, slouchy enough crystal-strewn track jackets, and rich shearling jackets layered under boxy gilets.
Koma hasn’t abandoned his flippant party-wear, he’s just made it smarter. Minidresses are cut from scuba neoprene and stretch velvet; they feel sporty but look luxurious. Crystal embroideries abound, as do sequins, which are cut into micro dresses and skirts with circular cut-outs that evoke Pierre Cardin’s future-minded oeuvre. While Cardin tended to brush against the fashion system—his shows on his time—Koma seems to thrive within it. He is the rare independent designer who has grown his output during 2020. Suffice to say, Koma has found new life—and new success—even in the most uncertain of times.
