David Koma Brings Dark Romanticism to Blumarine’s Summer Collection
David Koma is embracing the Milanese work hard/weekend harder lifestyle with ease, immersing himself in the city’s culture of switching from business to leisure seamlessly. As Milan transforms into a ghost town on weekends, Koma finds inspiration in the city’s proximity to beaches, lakes, and mountains, a lifestyle that has become a competitive sport among locals. Reflecting on his recent trip to Stromboli for the Blumarine resort lookbook shoot, Koma infuses the collection with a ‘dark romantic’ aesthetic, a departure from the brand’s previous flirty and feminine style.
Drawing influence from Helmut Newton’s iconic ’90s campaigns, Koma elevates the Blumarine woman to embody a sense of refined eroticism and emotional maturity. Against the dramatic backdrop of Stromboli’s black sands and jagged rocks, the collection exudes a high-voltage charge, blending boardroom sophistication with beachside allure. Zebra print takes center stage, adorning crinkled chiffon minidresses for a bold graphic impact, while the brand’s signature rose motif is replaced by the resilient agave flower, a nod to the island’s rugged beauty.
Koma’s love for structural silhouettes shines through in sharp tailoring, including white terry cloth blazers paired with sarong-style skirts that effortlessly transition from day to night. The collection plays with the concept of exposure and nudity, with flesh-toned lace and sheer fabrics creating a sense of allure and sophistication. The BluVi cardigan is reimagined in a sheer nude yarn with feather trims, adding a touch of glamour to the lineup.
For those looking to make a statement beyond the boardroom, Koma offers luxurious white sheepskin fur coats that exude vintage glamour. Despite the summer setting, Koma finds modernity and drama in using fur as a key element of luxury. Against Stromboli’s volcanic landscape, these fur pieces create a striking contrast, embodying the island’s magnetic pull on the designer.
David Koma’s reinterpretation of Blumarine for the summer collection introduces a new era of dark romanticism and sophistication, blending power dressing with sensual allure. With a nod to Milanese lifestyle and the allure of Stromboli’s natural beauty, the collection captures the essence of on-duty to off-duty chic seamlessly.