David Koma

After seeing Cheryl Cole in David Koma on last years XFactor the majority of the non-fashion conscientious public issued a plethora of vitriolic responses. The insults largely centred on the 'ugliness' of the dress by comparing it to unpleasant household objects like tin cans and dustbin lids. I would like to believe that the negative reaction to the dress was caused in part by the awful styling. Large silver hoops, scraped back hair and over the knee boots weren't quite the simple yet modern accessories which the dress required.

Beyonce's afro styling and cheap red lipstick wasn't any more flattering...

Perhaps the entire collection from David Koma was just too futuristic and geometric for the conventional tastes of society at the time.

I would like to think, however, with the rise of expressive, daring and experimental artists such as Lady Gaga, Paloma Faith, Florence Welch, Marina Diamandis and Rihanna that we have grown more accustomed to eccentric fashion and are thus more willing to accept and appreciate unusual designers. 

David Koma's latest collection contains all the structural and architectural elements of his previous work but the colour tones of white, cream and gold give it a softer, more commercially viable, edge. The pieces range from McQueen-esque mini dresses with mesh panels, cut-outs and corsetry to Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga inspired maxi dresses in panels of black, white and acid lemon yellow. The black and gold dresses have a luxe rock glamour edge which is reminiscent of the last few Balmain collections and the strong 70s theme of the SS11 season. The white pieces are startlingly beautiful in their feminine yet modern simplicity.

The other addition to this successful new collection is the collaboration with accessories and footwear designers. A range of large yet elegant gold cuffs by Mawi adorn the models' arms whilst their feet are encased in strong wedge boots with linear panelled detailing by Alain Quilici. A perfect capsule collection of day to evening dresses for the confident modern woman.