Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, the duo behind buzzy label Monse, have returned home. In this exclusive interview, they tell Jacquie Ang about leading two covetable brands and being open to change
ALTHOUGH IT’S ONLY been six months since they’ve taken the helm, Oscar de la Renta’s new co-creative directors are no strangers to the American fashion house. Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia spent a combined 18 years at the company before their departures in February 2015. Kim worked under Oscar himself for 12 years, rising up the ranks to design studio director. Garcia was a senior designer whose duties involved dressing celebrities.
The pair reveal that they had initially left to take a break, and find their own identities outside of the house. Parlaying their experience from working with the legendary Dominican designer, who earned distinction for dressing First Ladies from Jackie Kennedy to Michelle Obama, the duo launched Monse just three months later.
Starting from deconstructed men’s shirts, Kim and Garcia created sophisticated pieces that one can throw on and still look like the coolest girl in the room. A hit on the runway and off, their brand of relaxed glamour was quickly embraced by celebs such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Amal Clooney and Selena Gomez.
Rave reviews landed them major stockists and a CFDA Swarovski award nomination in the women swear category last year.
This story is from the April 2017 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2017 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Detox With A Side Of Botox?
Wellness hotels and resorts have always been more about stress relief and sensory indulgence than scans and stem cells, but a growing number are transforming into medical wellness destinations, with science-backed therapies accompanying typical spa offerings.
ELECTRIC LUXE
Mercedes-Benz combines advanced technology, personalisation and sustainability with its all-electric fleet to transform urban mobility in Singapore.
NO HOLDS BAR
Innovation is rife in Singapore’s competitive cocktail scene.
SADDLE UP
Saut Hermès 2024 puts the French luxury company's fine craftsmanship and savoir faire in its toughest arena yet the competition ring.
RHYTHM OF TIME
Adorned withfairies and ballerinas, these Poetry of Time timepieces by Van Cleef Arpel: mi the passage of the hours, minutes __and seconds, creating a meditative experience. The delicate figures h It of h f skilled work by the h i oe are the result of hours of skilled work by the house’s artisans, including gem-setters, enamellers and engravers. Beyond beauty on ne surface, mechanical movements drive their exceptional horological features, such as jumping hours and retrograde time-indicating hands. i
TRACING TREASURES
The Chanel Patrimoine is a space dedicated to the maison’s most precious fine jewellery and timepieces. Just as priceless are the stories embedded in each creation.
MISSION TO ASTONISH
Tiffany Co CEO ANTHONY LEDRU takes the brand back to its roots by reaffirming its position as a high jewellery heavyweight.
EX MACHINA
Established jewellery maisons continue to introduce technical breakthroughs in their collections while finding middle ground with age-old practices.
AMONG THE STARS
THERE'S PLENTY TO IN COUTURE TO CELEBRATE THIS SEASON, WHETHER IT'S HONOURING THE SALON, PAYING TRIBUTE TO PLAY OR HAVING THE BUTTON TAKE THE LEAD.
RISE & SHINE
In an intense sharing session with the high-flying women from SCCCI's Career Women's Group, Prestige uncovers the hidden levers of success.