Laura Kim
Co-Creative Director of Oscar de la Renta and the founder and Co-Creative Director of MONSE
It is a true honor to participate in this campaign as the chair of the selection committee and Power Ambassador. The life stories and accomplishments of this remarkable group reflect women’s resilience around the world, as well as the grassroots work of Dress for Success supporting women become economically independent.
Laura Kim is the co-Creative Director of Oscar de la Renta and the founder and co-Creative Director of MONSE. She is one of the most prominent, influential and respected names in the fashion industry.
Kim was born in South Korea and showed a keen interest in fashion from a young age where she learned to sketch and sew from her grandparents who made cloth. After growing up in Canada, Kim moved to New York at age 18 to attend the Pratt Institute. During her studies, Laura interned with Donna Karan and Oscar de la Renta. Upon graduation, Oscar de la Renta offered her a position in his studio, and she became Oscar’s design director at the age of 25. Laura worked for Oscar for 12 years until his passing, during which time she honed her skills and gained invaluable experience in the industry.
After Oscar’s passing, Laura and her business partner, Fernando Garcia, started their own brand, Monse. Within two years of launching Monse, they were asked to become the creative directors of Oscar de la Renta.
Today, Laura and Fernando run both brands with their unique vision of design, texture and color. Their versatile designs can be seen on the First Lady of the United States to popular music icons including Blackpink and Doja Cat.
Hear more from Laura on what this campaign means to her.