Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim are well versed in bridal from their time spent at Oscar de la Renta the first go around, before they left to start Monse and were subsequently brought back to ODLR as co–creative directors. Less than a year later, their bridal collections might not get quite the hype of their dual ready-to-wear shows, but for brides-to-be, an Oscar gown is the ultimate. And it’s an area Garcia and Kim feel confident working in. Garcia helped design custom gowns under Mr. de la Renta himself, including Amal Clooney’s back in 2014.
As young New York designers, Garcia and Kim also understand what the modern bride wants, not least because she’s probably their age. For instance, they’ve noticed today’s bride is going to the gym and taking care of herself, so she’s into revealing details like a sheer bodice or skirt. The back continues to be the erogenous zone of choice: For Fall 2018, several gowns came with deep, scooped-out backs, balletic lace-up details, or tasteful flashes of skin. Fashion types will also notice the rose tulle dégradé gown mirrors a similar look from the duo’s recent ready-to-wear show, and there was also a relaxed ivory suit, which a bride might wear to a rehearsal dinner. A few other dresses were straightforwardly, indisputably pretty, like the sweetheart gown with a full skirt and petal appliqués. Kim described it succinctly: “very Oscar.”
