“Who are you wearing?” is the most popular question on any red carpet. A ubiquitous answer to this question is the design label established by the Dominican-American fashion designer: Oscar de la Renta.
Since Oscar de la Renta’s passing in 2014, his self-named label has been under the creative influence of former Nina Ricci designer- Peter Copping. However, after only two years as creative director of the label, Copping announced his departure from the highly coveted position in July of this year.
Although Copping cited the reason for his exodus as personal, there is speculation that it was the indifferent reaction to his collections that caused his untimely demise at the label.
After months of waiting, it has finally been announced that the label will not have just one, but two creative directors – Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia.
Kim and Garcia are former alumni of de la Renta and worked for the label for twelve and six years respectively. Their prosperity continues the legacy of a number of celebrated individuals within the industry. Both designers gained their foundation knowledge and technique of fashion from Oscar de la Renta, who himself refined his talent under Cristobel Balenciaga.
Their time at de la Renta was to be the beginning of a thriving career for both designers. After meeting during their time at the fashion house, the pair went on to start their own label, Monse. Monse, which has only released three collections to date, is still in its infancy but has already risen to monumental success.
It has gained huge recognition from major names and critics alike. The label has even been awarded a number of laurels, including the CFDA award. Monse is set to gain from Kim and Garcia’s new job roles, in the form of logistical and operational support from de la Renta, as well as a number of potential collaborations between the two labels.
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Since the announcement on the 2nd September, there has been a decidedly positive response to the installment of Kim and Garcia as co-creative directors. In a recent statement to the Times, CEO of the company, Alex Bolen, admitted to making a mistake by appointing Copping: “I screwed that one up, in retrospect.” He went on to say “I wish Laura had come in and pounded the table and said, ‘I want the job.’ We discussed it.”
“I wish Laura had come in and pounded the table and said, ‘I want the job.’ We discussed it.”
Whether Kim and Garcia should have been selected for the job earlier, is yet to be seen. However, both couturiers seem delighted to have been chosen: “We are beyond thrilled to go back to the house where we learned the fundamentals of fashion from Oscar and the business of fashion from Alex [Bolen].
Having learned so much this past year with Monse, we will apply all of those lessons to expand the vision that this amazing house has already established.” The world of fashion will be eagerly awaiting their debut collection – F/W 2017.
Jo Grimwood
Image: torbakhopper via Flickr
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