The Way I Work... Fashion Designer David Koma
London designer David Koma has been getting us party-ready ever since he launched his eponymous fashion label back in 2009. Known for his sleek silhouettes and minimalist colour palette, Koma’s creative vision has stood the test of time, consistently gracing red carpets and dressing the likes of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé to Jennifer Lopez.
Koma’s latest venture is the launch of his swimwear and lifestyle brand, Let’s Swim. This new endeavour offers beachwear and holiday essentials inspired by his passion for travel and the “iconic swim images of the ’80s” – including TV classic Baywatch. Mirroring the chic and bold shapes and cuts of Koma’s eponymous label, Let’s Swim will have you channelling your inner Pamela Anderson this summer.
Service95 sits down with Koma to delve into the cultural inspirations behind Let’s Swim, and how his global adventures have shaped the brand’s aesthetic. We also discover which fashion icon inspires him and where he found the “most beautiful beaches in the world”, plus five other designers he’s excited by right now.
My Studio Environment... I hardly spend any time in my own office, I’m usually in other areas of the studio working collaboratively with my teams and sharing ideas. However, when I am in my space, I prefer it to be cool. I always have the windows open, even in winter. I’ll have a lamp on and candles lit, so it’s calm, ambient and dark. It allows me to focus and feel relaxed, but my door is always open, I’m never alone.
My Working Soundtrack... I love music, but not while I work – it can be too noisy. I try doing deep work without music playing, [but] the studio plays a lot of pop music. We’ve been loving the new Dua Lipa album [Radical Optimism] – I especially love the album cover with the shark fin.
My Film & TV Inspirations... With each collection, I always reflect on the films and shows of the ’80s. When ideating Let’s Swim, I was drawn to shows like Baywatch – Pamela [Anderson] in a red swimsuit was the inspiration for our shark swimsuit, it’s such an iconic moment in TV history. I love cinematography, so shows like Blue Planet and films such as Jaws merge the beauty and mysterious nature of the ocean and marine life.
My Work Uniform... I don’t have a uniform per se, but I am naturally drawn to the colour black, so every day it’s black jeans and a black T-shirt or jumper. Sometimes I’ll wear grey too, or a pop of colour. But it’s just easier for me not to focus too heavily on these details.
I wear a lot of [Maison] Margiela and Bottega [Veneta]. I like the timeless, classic pieces; brands that aren’t heavily labelled and slot into my existing wardrobe easily.
My Signature Scent... I have worn Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male for as long as I can remember. I love everything about it, from the bottle to the earthy, floral notes.
A Trip I’ll Never Forget... I love travelling, it’s one of the reasons why I started [Let’s Swim]. Our first campaign was shot in Manzanillo, Mexico because I have such happy memories of spending New Year there with friends and family, and the beaches in Mexico are some of the most beautiful in the world. I’m excited to travel the world with Let’s Swim.
The Creative Who Inspires Me... I loved my time at Mugler, it was such an inspiring time to run a fashion house and [designer and founder] Thierry [Mugler] will always be a huge inspiration to me personally. He helped harness my signature colour palette and sculptural silhouettes; he blended futuristic designs with a sense of drama and elegance. I will be forever grateful to him.
The Best Career Advice I’ve Ever Received... Stay true to your vision and don’t be afraid to take risks. It’s how I’ve remained authentic in my creative direction.
When I Need To Feel Inspired... I am constantly thinking; inspiration and ideas come to me easily. For Let’s Swim, travel and sharks are the centre of the brand’s universe. My focus is on the beautiful destinations and the people that integrate into these places, whether they be holidaymakers, locals or nomads. I have a longstanding fascination with sharks and marine life, these rockstar creatures embody a blend of grace, power and mystery, which deeply influences my designs.
If I Wasn’t In Fashion... I would always be working in a creative role – I love making art, and I could envision myself as a painter or sculptor. I like the power art has to inspire and challenge.
5 Designers David Koma Is Inspired By...
- Emily Frances Barrett – East London-based jewellery designer known for her innovative use of sustainable materials.
- Craig Green – British designer celebrated for his avant-garde menswear, which often blends sculptural elements with functionality.
- Priya Ahluwalia – Her designs combine elements from her dual Indian-Nigerian heritage and London roots.
- Bianca Saunders – Menswear designer whose work challenges traditional notions of masculinity, blending classic tailoring with bold, unconventional silhouettes.
- Martine Rose – Recognised for her distinctive approach to menswear, combining subcultural references with her unique design aesthetic.
Pia Brynteson is Content Editor at Service95
