Johanna Ortiz stepped up her traditional small presentation by turning it into a catwalk-style experience at Le Collège des Bernardins, a former monastery built in the 13th century.
Grand arches and ancient stone walls served as a spectacular backdrop for her bold interpretation of femininity. Ortiz explored florals for fall, with early looks in a monochromatic palette, before pops of color emerged in poppy red, then burst into full bloom in orange, crimson, coral and rust. Large prints were the core of the collection, with stems swirling around skirts and dresses, and flowers embroidered with subtle sparkles.
A nude silk organza camisole was embroidered with flowers floating above the bodice, a delicate display of craftsmanship. Ortiz noted that it took more than 600 hours of work to create it.
Ortiz doesn't have to jump on the cowboy core trend; The footprints have been there for several seasons. This time he appeared as boots peeking out from between long dresses. Laser-cut leather skirts and deep burgundy co-ords also kept her on-trend.
With the florals, the Colombian designer also wanted to step out of her comfort zone (fangirls don't worry, her palm tree prints are still present), in part because she is about to take a big leap: opening a flagship in the city of New York next year. month.
The store will open on Madison Avenue and will incorporate the entire Ortiz world with home goods, resort collections and ready-to-wear from her growing lifestyle brand. There will also be an expanded accessories section showcasing its raffia bags, which have had limited retail sales until now.
Ortiz said some business minds have advised him that he could move production to places with less expensive labor. But he has promised to stay and elevate Colombian craftsmanship to rival that of European artisans through his eponymous school. Working with local artisans and building his business from that foundation to the new flagship has solidified his brand.
“It's like I'm in a transition period and having that purpose is clearer than when I started,” he said.
With the collection's simple elegance and new retail sales, its universe is about to expand.
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