It’s early 2026, and the air in the New York fashion world feels a little thinner. If you haven't heard the news, Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia are officially wrapping up their final days at Oscar de la Renta. This isn't just another creative director swap. It’s the end of a decade-long era that basically saved one of America’s most storied houses from becoming a museum piece.
Honestly, the Laura Kim Oscar de la Renta partnership was never supposed to be just a "job." It was a homecoming. But after years of juggling two major labels, the duo decided to walk away to focus entirely on their own brand, Monse. Their final collection—Fall 2026—hits the runway this February. It marks the closing of a circle that began with an internship and ended with them becoming the longest-serving designers at the house since Oscar himself.
Why Everyone Is Obsessed With the Laura Kim Oscar de la Renta Exit
Why does this move matter so much? Because Laura Kim wasn't just a hired gun. She was the protege. She spent twelve years working directly under Mr. de la Renta before he passed away in 2014. She knew how he liked his coffee, how he picked his silks, and exactly how he wanted a woman to feel in a gown.
When she and Garcia were named co-creative directors in 2016, the brand was in a weird spot. It was struggling to find its footing after the short-lived tenure of Peter Copping. Kim brought back the soul of the brand but added a certain "cool girl" edge that Oscar—god bless him—might have been too traditional to try.
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The numbers don't lie. Under her leadership, the business grew significantly. She had this uncanny ability to pivot from $10,000 evening gowns to the kind of "money" pieces—sweaters, tailored pants, daywear—that actually keep a luxury house afloat in 2026.
The Lawsuit That Almost Ruined Everything
You might have forgotten the drama, but the Laura Kim Oscar de la Renta era almost didn't happen because of a massive legal war with Carolina Herrera. In late 2016, Herrera sued to block Kim from taking the job.
Kim had briefly worked as Senior Vice President of Design at Carolina Herrera, and she was so good that her Resort 2016 collection for them became the most commercially successful in that brand's 35-year history. Herrera didn't want to let her go. There was a temporary restraining order, a lot of "he-said-she-said" in the Supreme Court of New York, and a juicy settlement that eventually let her return to her true home at ODLR.
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Imagine the pressure. You’re being sued by one legend while trying to uphold the legacy of another. Most people would crumble. Laura just got to work.
Breaking the "Socialite" Stereotype
For a long time, the Oscar de la Renta woman was a very specific type: a Park Avenue socialite who didn't really "work" in the traditional sense. Laura Kim changed that. She’s famously practical. She’s the one who says, "If I can’t wear it every day, why am I making it?"
- Multicultural Influence: Born in Seoul, raised in Canada, and forged in NYC, Kim’s aesthetic is a mix of perfectionism and grit.
- The Team First Mentality: She’s been vocal about how she hated the "lone genius" trope. She built a team that could function without her, which is probably why she felt comfortable finally stepping away.
- Practical Luxury: She shifted the focus toward daywear and knits. She saw the "money" in the stuff women wear to meetings, not just the stuff they wear to galas.
What Really Happens Now?
With the Fall 2026 show looming, the big question is who takes over. CEO Alex Bolen has said there’s no rush to name a successor. That’s a bold move. Usually, brands panic. But Kim and Garcia left the house in such a stable, profitable position that the pressure isn't as suffocating as it was back in 2016.
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For Laura, it’s all about Monse now. She’s turning 10 years at her own label, and she wants to see what happens when she isn't splitting her brain between two offices every single day. She's also been branching out into home decor with Crate & Barrel and collaborating with brands like Kohler. Basically, she’s building a lifestyle empire that looks a lot like her muse, Martha Stewart.
Actionable Insights for Fashion Enthusiasts
If you’ve been following the Laura Kim Oscar de la Renta journey, there are a few things you should keep in mind as the brand transitions:
- Watch the Fall 2026 Collection: This is the "grail" collection. These pieces will likely hold their value better than any other era because they represent the final word from the founder's chosen successors.
- Invest in the "Kim-era" Daywear: While everyone goes for the gowns, Kim’s tailoring and knitwear from 2017–2025 are the real technical masterpieces. They are the pieces that redefined the brand's DNA for the modern age.
- Keep an Eye on Monse: Now that the duo is 100% focused on their independent label, expect the designs to get more experimental. The "deconstructed menswear" look they’re known for is about to get a lot more interesting without the "Oscar" guardrails.
The departure is sad, yeah. But in fashion, if you don't leave while people are still clapping, you stayed too long. Laura Kim is leaving at the absolute top of her game.