KOHLER PRESENTS “DESIGN CHANGES EVERYTHING” STARRING LAURA KIM WITH VEIL SMART TOILET IN HONED BLACK
Kohler announced today a partnership with Laura Kim, Co-Creative Director of Monse and Oscar de la Renta on their “Design Changes Everything” campaign. The collaboration celebrates the transformative power of design with reverence to a core belief that it can elevate the everyday into the extraordinary. Kohler enlisted Kim as creative partner and face of the campaign to help bring an artistic vision to life with her stunning, bespoke dress inspired by the sleek silhouette, honed black finish, and bold simplicity of Kohler’s Veil Smart Toilet.
In harmony through the creative execution, Kohler and Kim invite their audience to consider the journey of design and its power to transform. Kohler and Kim have a shared philosophy that design has the power to redefine experiences and bring beauty to unexpected places. Both leaders in their craft and industry, they believe that thoughtful design–whether in fashion or home furnishings–transcends the ordinary, offering moments of surprising elegance beyond the expected. “Design Changes Everything” reflects the pursuit of pushing boundaries and celebrating self-expression derived from Kohler’s iconic legacy of innovation and Kim’s eye for refined, striking creations.
“Working with Laura was a true pleasure–her ability to blend elegance with edge perfectly reflects the essence of Veil; sophisticated, modern, and thoughtfully designed in every detail” said Kanika Ajmera, Senior Director of Marketing at Kohler. “This project harnesses the intersection of art and technology, presenting the limitless potential of design to inspire and elevate our lives.”
Kim’s original dress debuted during Monse’s Fall/Winter 2025 runway show at New York Fashion Week on February 9 and is prominently featured in the national campaign launching on February 10. Kim’s dress is a beautiful display of simplicity and contrasts, reimagining elegance with a modern edge, culled from the sleek silhouette and distinguished Honed Black finish of Veil. Layered in materiality, the dress features flowing black chiffon that evokes graceful movement and femininity, while the leather straps and buckle detail add a touch of masculinity, creating a balance between softness and structure. The dress mirrors Veil’s textural depth and sculptural curves, underscoring Kim’s philosophy that design must embrace duality while maintaining practicality.
“From what you wear to what you interact with daily, design is a journey,” said Kim. “Chiffon has a certain magic and mystery to it, making it the perfect match for the concept of Veil. With its unique layers and texture, the Honed Black finish exudes luxury and sophistication. Great design, like Veil, has the power to uncover uncommon beauty and transform everyday experiences into something eye-catching.”
The best-in-class Kohler Veil Smart Toilet seamlessly fuses sculptural beauty with effortless functionality to embody a work of art, made to empower self-expression and elevate the bathroom experience. Featuring a minimalist silhouette and luxurious Honed Black finish, Veil stands out with cutting-edge technology that invites personalization and experience. This smart toilet represents Kohler’s commitment to blending artistry with innovation, offering homeowners a contemporary aesthetic that complements diverse styles and elevates everyday spaces.
For more information about the “Design Changes Everything” campaign and the Veil Smart Toilet, visit kohler.com/laura-kim. Press kit here.
About Kohler Co.
For more than 150 years, Kohler Co. has been a global leader in bold design and innovation, dedicated to helping people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives through its kitchen and bath products; luxury cabinetry, tile, and lighting; wellness products and services; and luxury hospitality experiences and major championship golf. Privately held Kohler Co. was founded in 1873 and is headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin. The company also develops sustainable living solutions to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. Its Innovation For Good platform addresses pressing issues, such as clean water and safe sanitation, with breakthrough products and services for underserved communities. David Kohler serves as Chair and CEO and represents the fourth generation of Kohler family leadership.
About Laura Kim
Laura Kim is the co-Creative Director of Oscar de la Renta and the founder and co-Creative Director of MONSE. 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.
