Chicago, USA.- Dominican designer Fernando José García Meléndez, the creative director at Oscar de la Renta and co-founder of Monse Maison, played a key role in creating the outfit worn by former First Lady Michelle Obama at the Democratic Convention in Chicago.

García, who partnered with Laura Kim and stylist Meredith Koop for the project, has a background in architecture from the University of Notre Dame. His journey into fashion began when he impressed Oscar de la Renta with his drawings, leading to a six-year tenure as a lead designer at the iconic atelier. In 2016, he assumed creative direction of the Oscar de la Renta brand while continuing his work at Monse Maison.

In an interview, García emphasized his commitment to preserving Oscar de la Renta’s legacy, particularly the focus on femininity and natural elegance in his designs. He credits de la Renta for instilling a passion for vibrant colors and a joyful approach to fashion, which García strives to maintain in his work.

He reflects on the Dominican designer’s influence, highlighting how de la Renta’s use of color and zest for life set him apart in the fashion industry.