Komakino Duo

Husband and wife duo, Komakino, launched their 4th collection during the last London Fashion Week. The pair, consisting of South Korean born Jin Kim and Italian Federico Capalbo, met in Florence and moved to London in 2005. Kim has worked for Topman design, Michiko Koshino London and McQ Alexander Mc Queen, while Capalbo is currently studying Menswear design at Central St Martins.

Fe and Jin, as their friends know them, have been working on the label since their move to the capital and although initially a street-wear label, they have evolved well into their signature style ofDuo fusing military influences with tailoring.

Their AW09 offering was based on fascist buildings and a sense of disillusion, aiming to present an apocalyptic vision. “Interaction within a social atmosphere plays a big role in the design process. Komakino is based on reality, taking current cultural aspects, implementing them then giving them a twist”, Fe says. The collection saw a dark palette of deconstructed jackets and trousers with unfinished details, elasticated bands covering t-shirts and jeans, juxtaposed with tailored finishes on box shaped coats and sheer hooded tops.

The design duo, previously showing at London Fashion Week in September 2007, have also produced a range of exclusive Komakino t-shirts and prints for Levi’s Korea, and have presented at Tokyo Fashion Week. Stocked exclusively in Japan, prices start range around £65-£500

Dazed Digital: So how has the response for Komakino been after London fashion week?
Komakino: Very positive in terms of recognition for the brand.

DD: Your style and concepts are very unique; describe the “Komakino” style in your own words?
Komakino: We do not know how or want to describe our own style. There are always a few strong elements that characterize our collections, people can pick and interpret how they wish.

DD: After your positive reception at the past LFW, will you be showing in London again this year?
Komakino: Actually yes, but we can't tell you yet!

DD: Do you find any limitations to being menswear designers in London?
Komakino: It is never easy to work as independent designer, but to be honest London probably gives young designers far more opportunities than any other fashion capital.

DD: Is Komakino working on anything exciting they could tell us at the moment?
Komakino: We're about to get into designing some jewellery, it is quite exciting since we have never done it before.