Designer Profile
LAURA KIM and FERNANDO GARCIA
LAURA KIM
As a child in Seoul, South Korea, Kim learned the basics of sewing, pattern-making and sketching as well as obtaining a critical eye for detail from her grandmother, a retired textile manufacturer. When she moved to New York to attend Pratt Institute, her talents were immediately recognized with scholarships from the council of fashion designers (CFDA) and fashion group international. As a fashion student, she interned at TSE Cashmere, Donna Karan and Oscar de la Renta. Mr. De la Renta was impressed with her work and offered her a permanent job. Kim worked with Oscar for twelve years as his design director, where she supervised all aspects of collection development and managed a studio responsible for fabric design, ready to wear, knitwear and accessories.
FERNANDO GARCIA
Garcia grew up traveling between the Dominican Republic and northern Spain. He was drawn to the creative field at a very early age, and his love of drawing on napkins led him to study architecture at the prestigious Notre Dame. Upon graduation, Garcia decided to take his love for art and architecture into fashion. When Garcia found the opportunity to meet Oscar de la Renta and show him some “doodles”, he was encouraged by Mr. De la Renta to come to NY for an internship, which quickly led to 6 years ultimately as a principal designer, honing his design and craftsmanship skills. During those years, Garcia played a large role in helping to create some of the most iconic evening wear pieces within the Oscar de la Renta collection.