Two designers, two brands, two worlds. Creative directors Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia tell Alice Franklin why taking the reins at Oscar de la Renta made sense as Monse, their new brand on the block, continues to impress
Two designers, two brands, two worlds. Creative directors Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia tell Alice Franklin why taking the reins at Oscar de la Renta made sense as Monse, their new brand on the block, continues to impress finding time for a call with of-the-moment designers Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia would be best described as a challenge. But what else would you expect when the duo in question is flat out working on not one but two labels?
The first, Monse, is a relative newcomer on fashion’s ever-changing scene, having been launched in 2015; the second is one of the industry’s most fêted houses, Oscar de la Renta. From seasonal collections to wedding lines and more, here is a working couple that can’t stop, won’t stop.
When we finally manage to coordinate schedules and I find myself dialling across the Pacific to New York City, it’s Garcia who answers. Unfortunately, Kim has found herself caught up in Big Apple traffic and likely won’t make it in time to join our chat, he explains.
Apologies are profuse and sincere. It will take another week before I’m able to catch up with Kim and get her thoughts on the unique journey they’ve been on, and what’s next for both brands. It speaks volumes that the stories Garcia and Kim share separately are so in tune; clearly this mindful alignment plays a large part in why they founded Monse and were asked to rejoin the family house of Oscar de la Renta in the autumn of 2016 after only a two-year hiatus.
It was at de la Renta where Garcia and Kim’s paths first crossed, her as design director of the maison’s electrifying yet beautifully feminine designs, and him as senior designer. What followed was a meeting of minds and a desire to bring something new to market, from which the seed of an idea that would eventually become Monse grew.
Denne historien er fra July 2017-utgaven av Prestige Hong Kong.
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Denne historien er fra July 2017-utgaven av Prestige Hong Kong.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
One Step Beyond
Dancer and actress JENNA DEWAN TATUM has built a career tripping the light fantastic.
Crown and Glory
The “Forbidden City” plays host to an array of fine art and jewellery, and Chaumet’s aptly named Imperial Splendours exhibition.
Bright Young Things
After some serious time in the limelight, summer’s big make-up trend is finally putting brows in the shade.
Fragrant Fancies
The nose behind the reinterpretation of three Bulgari fragrances, Sophie Labbe talks to ZANETA CHENG about the jewels of scent, floral absolutes and ageless femininity.
Reachable Recharge
The wellness effect of a stay at Amanoi, in a remote part of south-eastern Vietnam, begins before arrival.
Contemporary Inklings
With a mixed palette of traditional Chinese painting skills and avant-garde Western influences, octogenarian LIU KUO-SUNG, a leading force in modern ink art, reflects on his work with ANDREW DEMBINA.
French Lessons
STEPHEN MCCARTY discovers the dark side of jazz-era China.
Top of the Crops
It’s been a long time coming, but the health-food movement has finally hit Hong Kong’s fine-dining scene.
Modern History
Delvaux’s Hong Kong flagship store has just opened its gilded doors in Central.
Double Act
Two designers, two brands, two worlds. Creative directors Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia tell Alice Franklin why taking the reins at Oscar de la Renta made sense as Monse, their new brand on the block, continues to impress