Model: Charlotte Pallister @ Models1
Creative Director and Stylist: Naomi Mdudu
Stylist Assistants: Holly Knox & Sophie Preston
Make-up Artist: Claire Salter
Hair Stylist: Shinya Fukami
Photographer: Robert Harper
Many thanks to Alice and Matilda Temperley
Images courtesy of Elle UK & iMAXTREE
There might have been an air of the '80s in David Koma's architectural minidresses, but that needn't put you off. A series of black on black, dark grey and nude looks strutted fiercely down the runway for Koma's AW10 show, with some fantastic power jackets and party wear for the body-brave. Although the collection saw minidress after minidress parade in all its angular glory, don't be fooled into thinking that it was a monotonous one - we couldn't pick between the statement party dresses that proudly appeared with tiers of ruffled zip teeth, or the dynamic dresses that cleverly juxtaposed heavy felt and leather.
An obvious fan of the zig-zag, the triangular pattern could be seen running throughout not only the shapes of the dresses, but in the seam construction as an unusual touch on the back of a jacket, and was followed through into the model's hair parting - showing Koma's attentive eye for detail, such a good eye for detail in fact that it meant the relatively new designer had both Louise Wilson and Mrs Brown sitting front-row.
Hermione de Paula, the Central St. Martins alumni who graduated with a first-class degree, has been named the recipient of this season's Vauxhall Fashion Scout Merit Award for Autumn/Winter 2010-11 season. De Paula takes over from David Koma, who was awarded the Merit for his Spring/Summer 2009, and William Tempest, who has also won the award.
The award is important to up-and-coming designers, as it means that they are able to introduce their creations to the fashion cognoscenti during London Fashion Week. The designer is well aware of what winning the award means, commenting that, "February is set to be a busy and exciting time for me with my first standalone catwalk show at London Fashion Week and the launch of my Spring/Summer 2010 collection at Browns Focus."
We're excited to see what Ms de Paula will have to offer come February, but given that in the space of one season she has risen up the ranks from 'One To Watch' to fully-fledged Merit award winner, we imagine that this is certainly not the last we will be hearing of Hermione de Paula and certainly not the last we will be seeing of her quirky yet elegant designs.
The British Fashion Council has announced the names of 19 fashion businesses to receive BFC NEWGEN sponsorship, supported by Topshop. The sponsporship to most if not all the designers acts as somewhat of a launchpad, as it enables them to show their designs at the forthcoming London Fashion Week in February 2010. Caroline Rush, joint CEO of the BFC explains: "NEWGEN is an essential element of the BFC's designer development and showcasing programme. This season we have an incredible wave of original, innovative and talented emerging designers who will, without a doubt, support London's reputation as a creative capital."
Images courtesy of Vogue.co.uk
With both Cheryl Cole and Beyoncé Knowles wearing his dresses within the past week, we're not suprised that Central St Martins Graduate David Koma was a happy man. "I have been working with Beyoncé and her team to create a unique dress and knew there was a possibility she may wear it, but when I saw her last night she looked absolutely incredible!" an ecstatic Koma told Vogue.com yesterday. Firstly, Cheryl Cole chose a statement Koma dress for her Saturday night appearance on The X Factor, followed by Beyoncé who wore a dress from the same collection to pick up her award from the MTV Europe Music Awards.
"Beyoncé represents the ideal woman that inspires me, I'm delighted that she wore my dress to collect her award and feel privileged and incredibly proud that a worldwide superstar has shown such support", Koma announced. Even after becoming a Harrods Design Award winner, Vauxhall Fashion Scout Merit winner and showing at London Fashion Week for SS10, Koma was still overwhelmed at the feedback to the dress worn by Cheryl Cole from his AW09 collection, available now. "Cheryl is an amazing, beautiful, super sexy woman - I really like her and I was very flattered when I saw her in my dress," Koma exclaimed. "This week I'm a happy man, it's a very exciting time right now!"
