The coronavirus pandemic put fashion production on hold back in March, shutting down massive factories and little studios alike. Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim were right in the middle of designing their spring 2021 bridal collection for Oscar de la Renta, which would have normally been shown to press and buyers in April. But lockdown made completing the collection “on time” nearly impossible, mainly because so many of their gowns rely on intricate hand-beading and embroidery in India. Unsure of when their artisan partners would be able to go to work, the duo had two options: to scrap the collection entirely, or get creative with the resources at hand.
Garcia and Kim chose the latter, and turned the disruption into an opportunity to experiment with local production of simpler gowns—which 2021 brides may prefer, anyways. Some of their now-signature flourishes made reappearances here: the feathered high-low skirt, the angular bustier, the fern-cut lace, were all made in the ODLR atelier or in nearby Garment District studios. Kim was excited about a delicate new halter neckline trimmed in ivory leaves, and Garcia pointed out another clever development: a plain column with a garland of silk flowers draped around the shoulders. The garland is removable, so a bride might wear it for the ceremony and take it off to dance; consider it a new, fuss-free alternative to a capelet or wrap.
