Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim are going to sell a lot of sweaters next June. Their Pre-Fall collection for Monse had an armful of asymmetrical color-blocked knits in slouchy silhouettes, which looked as comfy as your favorite pullover, but with a graphic touch. Kim pointed out that the half-and-half effect of a navy and cream turtleneck looks particularly slimming in photos; unlike a plain sweater, this one gives you angles. That speaks to one of the duo’s biggest strengths, which is toeing the line between bold statements and practicality. Garcia said that Monse’s top retailer is a major e-commerce site; not only do their clothes look good on a computer screen, but the relaxed, often-oversize silhouettes make it easy to click “add to cart” without questioning the fit.
Those sweaters were styled in typical Monse fashion: with sequined houndstooth skirts, satin slips, and vampy slit dresses, for a spontaneous, high-low effect. A few looks had touches of the varsity vibes from Monse’s Spring ’18 show, like a knitted logoed “donut,” which Garcia wiggled over a model’s shoulders so it looked connected to her shirt. Sold by itself, that scarf-slash-styling piece will be an affordable entry for the label’s young fans.
Alongside the inherently casual knits, “dad jeans,” and blown-up gingham separates was a full rack of dresses that were unapologetically evening-geared. The best ones (e.g., the ones you’re most likely to see on celebrities) might just remind you of the designers’ very first collection: two uncontrived pajama frocks that twisted gently around the body, one in ivory and the other in burgundy. A third dress had a little more swagger going on: in loose cherry-red satin, it wilted way lower in the back with a sexy cut-out at the shoulder blades.