WRITTEN BY KENDALL BECKER
If you’ve ever shopped for resortwear, it’s undeniable that a Johanna Ortiz piece has stopped your scroll at one point or another, vis-a-vis each collection’s eloquent embodiment of the romantic and captivating flair of Latin America. The brand ethos is a head-turning one at that––confidently bold, channeling a high energy vibrancy that epitomizes the art of celebration.
This year, as the brand celebrates 20 years since its inception, Ortiz shares with LVR magazine the journey of developing her namesake label as well as her focus on a new sustainable collection. On the label’s launch, Ortiz explains, “It was about giving back to where I grew up. This dream wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the 480 people who work with me in the atelier.”
It was about giving back to where I grew up. This dream wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the 480 people who work with me in the atelier.
The core of building her label? Community and purpose––all of which come together to conjure collections born out of sustainably minded production and impeccable craftsmanship.
In fact, the brand has founded its very own Johanna Ortiz escuela, whose mission is to connect women and nurture meaningful symbiotic relationships. The on-site training program Semillero offers free, professional-level workshops in sewing and embroidery as a vehicle for female empowerment.
We can be there and honor their job––and that’s part of what moves me and inspires me. It’s a majority female company and women are amazing.
Ortiz approaches her relationships within the business like an extended family, motivated by care for her team of expert artisans as well as for each garment that’s been handcrafted with love and artisanal talent. “We can be there and honor their job––and that’s part of what moves me and inspires me. It’s a majority female company and women are amazing,” she asserts to LVR.
Johanna Ortiz’s vertical integration is a key component supporting her sustainable production from a resources standpoint. Whenever possible, the brand aims to source from within Colombia and give back to the environment by planting trees in the Amazon and utilizing materials made with high ethical standards.
While Johanna Ortiz epitomizes the glamour and refinement of Colombian culture, global connection is the driving force behind the label’s success. And, Ortiz herself culls inspiration from the special tie of Latin American culture and the love of sustainable craftsmanship becoming the common thread of women around the world.
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About LVRSustainable
LVRSustainable is LuisaViaRoma’s section dedicated to offering a curated selection of the best conscious brands and items, as well as special collaborations with renowned non-profits, organizations, and brands to benefit social and environmental causes.
