Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia

Monse is the fashion house of Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, two designers who met and worked together at Oscar de la Renta. During their time with the legendary designer, Kim and Garcia played a large role in the creation of some of the most iconic eveningwear pieces in the Oscar de la Renta collection.

Kim grew up in Seoul, South Korea, where she learned the basics of how to sketch, make patterns and sew from her grandmother. When she arrived in New York to attend Pratt Institute, her talent was immediately recognized with scholarships from Fashion Group International and the Council of Fashion Designers of America. She interned with TSE Cashmere, Donna Karan and Oscar de la Renta, at the latter of which Kim spent 12 years as de la Renta’s co-creator.

Her partner, Garcia, spent his youth traveling between the Dominican Republic and northern Spain. Garcia studied architecture at the University of Notre Dame and, upon graduation, he decided to take his love for art and architecture into fashion. An opportunity to meet Oscar de la Renta and show him some “doodles” resulted in an invitation from de la Renta to come to New York for an internship, which led to six years on staff, ultimately in the role of principal designer.

Related SCADstyle event:

Monse + Fern Mallis
Monday, April 11
Atlanta, GA