Oscar de la Renta Creative Directors Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia are departing the iconic luxury fashion brand after nine years to concentrate on their other ready-to-wear label, Monse, per their announcement on social media.
Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, the designers behind famous luxury brand Oscar de la Renta, are stepping down from their position at the company after nine years. The duo’s final collection for the New York-based luxury womenswear brand will be for Fall 2026, and will be unveiled in February 2026.
“With a heavy heart, Laura and myself want to let the world know we are completing our time at Oscar de la Renta next February and after are putting all our focus on Monse,” said Fernando Garcia, in a post on Instagram. “We have spent half of our lives working with the incredible teams there plus the loving de la Renta family. It was a decision that came with much contemplation and while it is sad it is also exciting for all to begin new chapters next year. Laura and myself have nothing but magical memories and incredible gratitude to everyone at the company.”
Both Kim and Garcia began their fashion careers at Oscar de la Renta. In 2015, the duo left and founded Monse although they returned a year later as co-creative directors with a debut Fall 2017 collection. The pair combined their aesthetics to push the boundaries of luxury – embodying sensuality and ease, built on a foundation of uncompromising quality. Laura and Fernando propose a fresh balance of opposing elements – past and future, strength and vulnerability, structure and fluidity honoring Oscar’s romantic artistry and inimitable legacy in the ready-to-wear, bridal, fashion accessories, and kidswear collections.
Following their departure from the storied brand they will now focus entirely to Monse, which unveiled its latest collection as part of the recently concluded New York Fashion Week. No successor has been named for Oscar de la Renta.
About Oscar de la Renta
“Fashion is only fashion once a woman puts it on.” – Oscar de la Renta
Founded in 1965, Oscar de la Renta’s philosophy has been to make women look and feel extraordinary. This belief continues to define the House’s legacy, embodied in its internationally renowned ready-to-wear, handbag, jewelry, bridal and fragrance collections. Even today, Oscar de la Renta designs embody its founder’s joy for life, distinguished by lavish textiles, vibrant color and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship.
Oscar de la Renta’s timeless feminine aesthetic is expressed through exceptional artisanal details and embellishments. The House relies on masterful artistry to uphold the highest standards for craftsmen. The design studio and ateliers work according to the standards of European couture houses. In the New York City atelier and the finest workrooms in Europe, every design begins with a detailed sketch by the designers before passing through scores of expert hands, ensuring that each garment receives meticulous attention to both its interior construction and exterior embellishments.
Oscar de la Renta garners attention by dressing the world’s greatest arbiters of style including first ladies, entertainers, celebrities and innovators at philanthropic galas and award shows. Oscar de la Renta is featured in the world’s most celebrated fashion and lifestyle publications. Shot by the industry’s preeminent photographers, these stunning editorials continue to champion the House’s collections in print and digital media’s seminal artistic moments.
What makes Oscar de la Renta famous
Oscar de la Renta is widely regarded as one of the most iconic fashion designers of the 20th and 21st centuries, known for his sophisticated silhouettes and unparalleled craftsmanship. Born in the Dominican Republic in 1932, he quickly became a defining figure in haute couture. After studying at the Academy of San Fernando in Spain and working with legendary fashion houses like Balenciaga and Lanvin, de la Renta launched his own brand in 1965. His early success came from his ability to combine European techniques with a sensibility that resonated with American women. His designs were consistently seen on influential figures, from First Ladies to Hollywood icons.
A significant milestone in his career was in 1967 when de la Renta was appointed as the creative director for the French fashion house, Balmain, a role that gave him international recognition. His tenure at Balmain demonstrated his mastery in translating global influences into wearable art. However, it was with his own label that de la Renta truly made his mark, particularly with his elegant evening wear and bridal collections. His designs were often characterized by rich fabrics, intricate hand embroidery, and feminine silhouettes, which became synonymous with red-carpet moments.
Oscar de la Renta’s legacy is cemented by the countless milestones throughout his career, such as his first foray into fragrance with “Oscar” in 1977, which became one of the most successful fragrances of its time. His influence extended beyond fashion to philanthropy, with de la Renta supporting charitable causes benefiting children and education. The designer’s impact was also felt through apprentices and protégés he mentored over the years. Even after his death in 2014, Oscar de la Renta’s legacy continues to rule through his timeless approach to style.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
