Following an exclusive pre-drop of four dresses, we’re still lusting after pieces from the H&M’s collaboration with the Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz. Well, the wait is finally over, as the collection has officially launched!
The 19-piece collection – which spans feminine dresses, tops, skirts, and swimwear – features the exotic color palette, tropical florals and dramatic silhouettes that have become synonymous with Ortiz’s statement-making label.
The collaboration is a true meeting of minds: the H&M design team traveled to Ortiz’s native Cali – also known as Colombia’s Salsa capital – to fully comprehend the complex construction behind the designer’s ultra-flattering designs. Hosted by Johanna in her elegantly decorated home, the team was immersed in Ortiz’s sophisticated bohemian world, examining her archive to revisit her signature tropical prints in re-energized colorways.
Key pieces include the vibrant red floral maxi dress, the magenta midi dress in broderie anglaise, the black patterned floor-length column dress in viscose crepe – one of Ortiz’s personal favorites – and the ruffled wrap skirt in black and white cotton-poplin. Extravagant ruffles are an important design feature, even appearing on asymmetric swimsuits. There are also some more pared-back styles including a cotton-poplin tunic shirt and monochromatic blouses are palette-cleansing in their simplicity.
“The imprint of Colombia – the rhythm of the Salsa dance, the beauty of the elegant orchids and the effortless palm trees dancing in a balmy pink sunset – can be felt in every Johanna Ortiz design. I’m thrilled to be able to infuse this H&M collection with effortless glamour and introduce some Latin American festivity to the H&M customer’s wardrobe. I hope customers wear the pieces barefoot and with a beautiful flower in their hair,” says Johanna Ortiz, designer and CEO.
“Johanna Ortiz has a gift for creating confident, colorful designs that make you want to dance. This collection is both a celebration of Colombia’s creative history and craftsmanship and an opportunity to bring Johanna’s signature feminine styles to our customers. The reaction to the pre-drop was very positive, and now the wait is over, we can’t wait to see how our customers will style this exciting collection,” says Maria Östblom, Head of womenswear design at H&M.
Shop the main collection in selected H&M stores and kw.hm.com!
