What’s good, America? Grazia USA asks fashion industry leaders and influential voices to share their secrets to a life well-lived: from the small delights of daily coffee orders to thought-provoking literature, and more complex topics like sustainability and social activism. Welcome to #GOODQuestions.
Here, we chat with fashion designer Fernando Garcia about the Monse SS21 collection, whose Spring Summer 2021 lookbook was released during NYFW FW21.
#GOODQuestions With Fernando Garcia
#GOODSource
How was the process of sourcing and designing different this season compared to past seasons?
We looked at our inventory and decided to upcycle our fabrics into new creative ideas for our customer.
#GOODInspo
Who or what was the source of inspiration for the collection?
The constant working from home and exercising was the main source of inspiration, garments that make sense for today.
#GOODLuck
Do you have any day of show rituals that bring you good luck?
One glass of champagne backstage goes a long way! It is a very exciting but also a nerve wracking time.
#GOODLooks
What’s your favorite look or piece from the collection and why?
We love the polka dot jumpsuit! Very versatile, not season specific and cute.
#GOODGirl
Who is the woman you design for? Who is your muse?
The woman who is on the go, and could use an outfit that she can wear from day to night.
My muses are all of the women who live this lifestyle are a constant source of inspiration to us.
#GOODPractice
What measures did your team take to work efficiently but stay safe while producing this collection? How has COVID-19 affected the way that your brand has approached fashion week and the presentation of new collections?
We have been lucky we moved into a new office that allows us to be socially distant while working. Having regular testing and being as responsible as possible at work (as well as outside of work) has been key! Our teams have been on zoom, group chats and participating in virtual fittings since the pandemic began, while it’s transitioned into more in person meetings now.
#GOODCause
In what way do you hope your collection makes a positive impact?
Upcycling fabric plus reducing carbon footprint by working more and more with local factories hopefully reminds everyone to be more aware of how a great collection can still be made this way.
#GOODFeels
Do you think it’s important virtual shows recreate the vibe of a show or create an entirely new experience?
We always love to inject newness into how everything is presented, it simply has to make sense with your brand and the product you are putting out. Everyone should listen to how their customers enjoy seeing your new work too, we always have.
#GOODExperience
Were there any experiences or lessons that you’ll take away from this unique season?
Being resourceful, it pushed us to be even more creative and have fun with what we already have.
#GOODMemories
Tell us about a favorite fashion week memory.
Showing our resort collection in front of the DuBuffet 4 Trees statue was beautifully realized. It went very well with the clothes.
#GOODViews
What were you watching most while designing this season?
Every murder mystery show on Netflix.
#GOODMusic
Current fave songs you listened to while working on this collection?
We love Dua Lipa, very much a Physical vibe.
#GOODMorning
What’s your morning routine? What’s the first app you open each day?
We have about as much DMs that are work related as emails… So that is what we do every morning after a good workout!
#GOODVibes
Who in your life brings you good vibes and positive energy every day?
Our teams, we always remember to have fun developing these collections, it shows in the clothes.
#GOODDay
What makes your day go from good to great?
Call me old fashioned but a simple compliment goes a long way in NYC (lol).
#GOODQuotes
Quote to live by?
You rest, you rust. Not sure who came up with that one, but Oscar would always say it to us.
#GOODNews
Best news of the year for you so far?
An administration that allows me to not check twitter every 5 minutes.
#GOODBye2020
What won’t you miss about last year?
An administration that allows me to not check twitter every 5 minutes.
#GOODReads
What’s the last good book you read?
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara.
#GOODGrace
What helps you connect with your inner grace and goodness?
Our close group of friends.
#GOODEats
What is your fave recipe to make?
Fried chicken!
#GOODLife
Define what a good life means to you.
One that has most things balanced.
#GOODNight
What is the last thing you do before bed?
Text my best friends.
