Colombian-born Johanna Ortiz is the latest designer to join the roster of creatives that have collaborated with fast-fashion giant H&M, the company said Tuesday in a statement.
From Donatella Versace’s collection in 2011 to Giambattista Valli’s latest venture with the brand this past October, H&M has collaborated with an impressive array of high-fashion designers. This is the first time the fast-fashion powerhouse has decided to collaborate with a Latin American designer, according to a story published on Vogue.com
Given that Ortiz has become something of a fashion ambassador for Colombia, this is an important step in promoting Latin American creatives and a bevvy of new emerging labels, onto the wider fashion scene.
“I’m most excited about the fact that I’m taking a bit of my design and a bit of Colombia and reaching a new audience of women,” said Ortiz, who has been working as a designer since 2001.
Ortiz has garnered the attention of some of the most influential e-tailers and buyers. Her collections are sold on Moda Operandi and have most recently being stocked by Net-A-Porter and MatchesFashion. Since her label’s inception, the designer has focused on giving back to her country via her brand’s educational programme for local women, which aims to strengthen indigenous communities and women in Colombia.
“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate Colombia’s rich history and craftsmanship and to bring Johanna’s signature happiness-inducing designs to the H&M customer,” said Maria Östblom, head of womenswear design at H&M.
Known for her signature ruffles and off-the-shoulder silhouettes, Ortiz’s designs are often frilled-statement pieces that embody the spirit of Colombian culture.
And the capsule wardrobe, which will be launched in a pre-drop on December 3rd, exemplifies this bold, fun and flirtatious spirit. Four styles ranging from a tunic dress, a wrap dress, a mini dress and a tiered floor-length style, will be launched in four exotic floral prints, pulled from Ortiz’s 16-year-old archive.
The main collection will be available in March 2020, and won’t just include dresses, but also separates and swimwear.
