A Koma Moment
industry knowledge,” Hull said.
Olsen said that he expects Highlander’s investment approach to resonate with the current crop of beauty brands. “Highlander does not have the typical constraints of the traditional LP-based fund, and its differentiated investment platform will make for an attractive partner in this industry,” Olsen said in a statement.
Historically, Highlander makes majority investments in companies and builds-out multibranded businesses. The firm is said to be evaluating opportunities across the full spectrum of the beauty industry, from brands to manufacturing. — ALLISON COLLINS
Singapore. At the same time, in 2018, the company also acquired Effeuno Srl, a longtime partner company that specializes in manufacturing leather goods. — ALESSANDRA TURRA
In designing his resort collection, London-based David Koma took inspiration from the movie “Basic Instinct.”
“It’s all about the spirit and energy of female empowerment,” Koma said. “The female form is most inspiring.”
Bloomingdale’s and The British Fashion Council celebrated the 10th anniversary of Koma’s collection, as well as the transformation of the store’s designer floor on level four, with a cocktail party there Wednesday. The new floor showcases about 20 designers it hadn’t before, including Prabal Gurung, Libertine, Jason Wu, Mary Katrantzou and Koma. Recently, Louis Vuitton ready-to-wear, which also wasn’t carried at Bloomingdale’s, also appeared with a pop-up.
Koma’s body-conscious collection is oriented to evening and special occasion, sculptural silhouettes, innovative embroidery and has a modern, comfortable take on corsetry.
“It’s for a woman who wants to be seen,” observed Denise Magid, Bloomingdale’s executive vice president and general merchandise manager for ready-to-wear, bloomingdales. com and concessions, who wore a Koma jumpsuit with mirrored embellishment. “There’s a designer price point and a designer aesthetic but there’s also a sexy, contemporary appeal. It’s very much about event dressing. He’s established, has an audience and he’s right for the Bloomingdale’s customer.”
“This is a beautiful moment,” Koma said, referring to the anniversary celebration. “But we’re just warming up. Since graduating from Central Saint Martin, I’ve been working hard building my brand,” even while working as creative director at Thierry Mugler from 2013 to 2017, he added. — DAVID MOIN