Where in the world are Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim? At press time, Italy—but they just wrapped a trunk show in Dubai, made a pit stop in Mumbai, and are off to the Dominican Republic and Paris in the next few days. The Oscar de la Renta customer is quite literally everywhere, so they’ve been making the rounds to get better acquainted with her varying tastes and needs. Garcia and Kim’s Spring 2019 ready-to-wear collection was a testament to that, with a mash-up of cultural influences: sarong-style skirts, Indian Mughal flower embroideries, a rich jewel tone palette, and yards of fringe and feathers.
They ostensibly have less room to experiment in bridal—OdlR isn’t where you go for a pink or printed wedding dress—but their new collection was refreshingly diverse. On one hand, there were elegant gowns best described as being “very Oscar”: strapless ball gowns with “scattered” embroideries and gestural details, like a soft bow in the back or a wrap-effect sweetheart bodice. On the phone, Garcia said they posted a photo of the opening look—an ivory gown in cut-out lace fern embroidery—on OdlR’s Instagram, and it set a new record as their most-liked photo. Something about that dress had universal, borderless appeal, but Garcia and Kim considered specific markets when it came to other styles. The handful of long-sleeved gowns were a response to brides who are looking for more coverage, particularly in the Middle East (though long-sleeved dresses are a major trend here in the U.S. and in Europe, too).
Also new: the introduction of demi-couture gowns, which made up about half of this collection. They’ll be made to order, with room for customization: Consider the long-sleeved, allover lace gown with a semi-sheer skirt, which could likely be lengthened, lined for more coverage, or embroidered with metallic or colorful threads. Another look in the demi-couture group was covered in hand-embroidered flowers with a strapless, V-neck bodice and giant tulle sash. Those gowns marked a refreshing new direction for Garcia and Kim at a time when fashion is becoming increasingly fast-paced, machine-made, and distant-feeling. Women want clothes that feel unique and handmade, but often can’t find them—and on your wedding day in particular, there’s something special about wearing a dress that’s been carefully crafted by an actual person (or a few).
