Late last month, Michelle Obama wore a look from Monse’s most recent precollection to deliver a speech at the Democratic National Convention. That viral moment is likely the reason why designers Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia were in an American state of mind. It was evident even before the first look hit the runway; one only needed to notice the alternating red, white, and blue chairs. “This collection is an ode to America, because New York City is probably the only city that could have allowed us to open a company,” explained Kim during a preshow interview. The show opened with a khaki version of the same jacket Obama wore, but layered over a gathered and pleated white cotton shirtdress.
In keeping with the America theme, football was also an inspiration. Models carried leather bags made to look exactly like, well, footballs, and there were also more collegiate classics like rugby striped polo shirts and a heathered gray hoodie. The latter was fused together with a khaki trench coat, with some parts appearing to be layered underneath the coat whole and others as if they were layered over it. It was one of the best pieces in the collection. It seems like only a matter of time before Taylor Swift is spotted carrying the football bag or wearing one of the poppy and preppy takes on sporty dressing.
Contrasting those moments was a series of sequined separates and gowns. “Fernando loves shine; I’m a matte girl,” Kim explained. A beige long-sleeve polo-neck shirt embroidered with tiny sequins, worn with a matching baby blue skirt, seemed like the exact point where the two designers’ points of views met; a little bit fantasy but always grounded. The final dresses and separates were made from thick bands of fabric woven together to create refreshingly low-key evening looks.
