Photos and copy courtesy of Damir Doma

Damir Doma’s collections seem lit by a soft, melancholic quest for fluidity. Inspired by identity’s multiple expressions and the link with the fragile, ephemeral quality of the body, he creates pieces that explore interpretations of contemporary masculinity.

The Croatian-born designer grew up in Germany and studied fashion in Munich and Berlin, where he graduated in 2004 with magna cum laude for the best collection.

The young designer then went to Antwerp, where he worked for Raf Simons and Dirk Schoenberger. It was his time spent at Raf Simons in particular that broadened and shaped Doma’s perception of fashion and the arts. Under Simon’s mentorship, the creation of his personal aesthetics was kindled; leading him to infuse soulfulness and sensitivity into his work.

His collections to date, with layered sheer fabrics, and draped silhouettes, veer towards a thoughtful and complex sensibility.

Among his sources of inspiration, Doma lists emotions, nature and artists such as Gottfried Helnwein, Joseph Beuys and Gerhard Richter. For the Autumn/Winter 2008-2009 collection, the work of Anselm Kiefer was key in influencing the choices of the colour palette and the drape of the cloth.  Damir Doma

Post by James Lin