Special Items Prepared

"I came to Japan this time to see my collection, which will be available at the new DSM store. I was invited to the reception party and visited the shop for the first time, and it's simply magnificent. Not only my space, but the shop-in-shops of other brands are also very stimulating. Having not visited Japan in a while, I explored areas like Harajuku, Shibuya, and Aoyama, and found few shops that left a strong impression, so this was very interesting. I'm sure this will invigorate the somewhat stagnant Japanese fashion scene."

He, who is quite discerning, prepared special limited-edition items to celebrate the opening of DSM, which he praises highly. These were sold alongside the Spring/Summer 2012 men's and women's collections from the store's opening day.

"One of the reasons for my visit was to bring the special items I prepared for DSM. One type of shirt and three types of cut-and-sew tops. The cut-and-sew tops, made from a particularly soft jersey material, are popular worldwide, and I brought them so that even those unfamiliar with my work could experience their superior comfort. I truly hope they will be well-received."

In fact, the relationship between Damir Doma and DSM is deep. From February 24th (Friday) for one month, Dover Street Market London featured a large-scale installation in its first-floor show window, showcasing his creativity beyond the confines of clothing.

"DSM has always been attentive to my work, but I never expected them to feature me so prominently. It's a great honor. With gratitude in my heart, I created several special items for this exhibition, including clutch bags with serial numbers. I also paid particular attention to the display and presentation to ensure visitors could experience my creations through their senses – touch and sight."

Damir Doma transcends the boundaries of fashion, moving towards something more... What, then, is the source of his inspiration?

An Encounter with Rodney That Inspired His Creations

"My inspiration always stems from encountering different cultures. Whether it's the fascinating cultures of Asia or the contrasting, evolved cultures of Africa. Delicacy and wildness. When I encounter such elements, my creative drive is ignited. Mixing them is my unique identity, and it's what I will continue to strive for. Of course, music, books, and films also inspire me greatly, but there's nothing specific I can point to."

His flagship store, opening this spring in Paris, embodies his ideas and aesthetic sense. Conveniently located next to Comme des Garçons, the store will feature not only his men's and women's lines but also his second line, Silent Damir Doma.

"I want customers to understand the background of the clothes and my aesthetic. That's why various books are displayed, and the in-store music and art pieces on the walls are all important motifs in my collections. While many designers try to conceal their sources of inspiration, I want to reveal mine openly so that people can gain a deeper understanding of Damir Doma."





This vision was brought to life by architect Rodney Eggleston, known for his innovative production of Aesop's Melbourne store. He expressed the ideology inherent in Damir Doma's creations through an exceptional interior design.

"Working with him was incredibly stimulating. We are completely different in every way. When creating the store, I met with various architects and spatial designers. Some shared similar sensibilities and ideas with me, but I deliberately chose not to work with them. Why? Because if the final result is easily predictable, it's no fun. Rodney gave me the surprise I expected. It will undoubtedly be a store that no one could have imagined. I want everyone who visits Paris, not just those reading this interview, to stop by."

With his first flagship store established, Damir Doma continues to steadily expand his avenues of expression. His creations will undoubtedly gain further depth and refinement. So, what is he most particular about?

"What I always aim for is to create something unprecedented. This applies to clothing as well; rather than modifying existing items, I want to give form to new ideas unburdened by the past. I believe this is the mission of young designers like myself. I want to continue creating timeless garments that will remain modern even 50 or 100 years from now."

Damir Doma. We urge you to experience the creativity of the next generation firsthand.

DAMIR DOMA
Born in Croatia in 1981. After attending design school in Munich, he studied fashion in Berlin before moving his base to Antwerp. He gained experience as an assistant to Dirk Schönberger and Raf Simons. In 2006, he launched Damir Doma and debuted at the Paris Men's Collections in S/S 2008. His highly original collections garnered significant attention from the outset. He is one of Europe's most talked-about emerging designers.