Colombian coffee is one of the most representative beans of the country. This bean has turned the name of the country into a synonym for land that produces one of the most sought-after coffee beans among consumers. Johanna Ortiz, who is characterized for inspiring each of her collections in the fauna, flora, roots, and culture of the country, decided to present a collection of accessories that integrate two of her greatest inspirations: coffee and the Colombian forests.
The Colombian designer’s staff is made up almost entirely of craftswomen. In just a few years, her collections have made the transatlantic leap to Milan and Paris, charting a new path for Latin American fashion with her fresh ease and poetic silhouettes, which have fascinated women as different and inspiring as Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Sassa de Osma, Máxima of the Netherlands, Tamara Falcó, and even Michelle Obama.
Above all, the brand values local work and craftsmanship, as well as giving place and employment to a group of women at risk of social exclusion are some of the pillars on which Johanna Ortiz's company is based. Since presenting her new collection at the last Paris Fashion Week, projects haven’t stopped emerging, including the latest collaboration with Nespresso, with which Johanna has designed a Christmas collection called “Gifts that treasure the wonders of the forest”.
Designed exclusively by Johanna herself, the collection was inspired by nature and sustainability. Johanna is also mindful when it comes to her materials. The ready-to-wear company uses GOTS-certified organic cotton, as well as Forest Stewardship Council-certified viscose fabric.
Overall, her work is an ode to nature and the planet with collections in which the commitment to the environment, attention to detail, love, and care put into each of her works, values that, she shares with the coffee brand. What’s more, to take this beyond coffee cultivation and support the local communities that call the forest home, the designer announced her contribution to the protection of 10 million trees in the Amazon rainforest in La Pedrera, Colombia. Forest conservation plays a very important role in the sustainability vision of this collection, as it is based on creating a positive impact on the world, from the coffee cherry to the cup.
Feminine Designs Inspired by Nature
She captures the spirit of her Colombian roots in all her garments, and the result translates into a unique style, where femininity is exalted and cared for down to the smallest detail. So the capsule collection that Ortiz is going to present will be full of color, while being sophisticated and with a touch of sensuality.
Latin American fashion became known for its puffed sleeves, wide ruffles, Caribbean influence, and floral prints, but it is evolving. Little by little, it’s becoming known internationally and the creativity coming out of this region reflects its cultural richness.
Mostly Female Workforce
Her country is another of her great passions. In her native city of Cali in Colombia, she employs 380 people, 95% of whom are women, and from there she exports both the value of ancestral craftsmanship and a way of making fashion with designs that go beyond the simple fact of dressing oneself, but more of an expression of femenitiy. In her portfolio of clients, Amal Clooney, Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, Tamara Falcó, Isabel Preysler and Sassa de Osma have worn her colorful designs.