Johanna Ortiz

Biography

Textiles and design have been my great passions since I was little. I studied fashion design at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, lived in Miami for a while, worked at MTV Latino, and then returned to my native Cali, Colombia. There, I started with a Resort brand that taught me a lot and led me to create my eponymous brand, Johanna Ortiz. We have grown dress by dress and person by person, always with the purpose of creating fashion with a positive social impact in Cali, Colombia.

When was the firm founded? How has your vision of design evolved from when you started until now?

We are celebrating 20 years this year! It was born in 2003. My vision has expanded a lot; I am fortunate to have a great team. We now have categories for Ready-to-Wear, Swim and Resort wear, accessories, and home. I love being inspired by the biodiversity that surrounds me, my Latin roots, and the love for discovering new cultures, fusing these with a modern, feminine, and global vision.

How important are craftsmanship and your origins to your creations?

Craftsmanship and my South American origins are fundamental to everything we do. Colombia is very abundant in artisanal traditions, and working with local artisans allows me to preserve these skills and celebrate a unique craft. Craftsmanship adds a human and very authentic touch to our pieces. In every collection, we collaborate with a community in Colombia.

What do you seek to convey with your garments? How do you think women feel in them?

I like to convey confidence, empowerment, and joy. Johanna Ortiz designs to celebrate femininity and the individuality of every woman, allowing them to express their style and who they are in a very unique and authentic way.

“I love being inspired by the biodiversity that surrounds me, my Latin roots, and the love for discovering new cultures, fusing these with a modern, feminine, and global vision.”

Local and artisanal production is part of your essence. What is El Semillero and how was the idea born?

The Johanna Ortiz School is an initiative that fills me with pride. It is a 6-month course where we teach people in vulnerable situations the art of sewing, to improve their quality of life. We provide them with a monthly salary, food, psychosocial support, transportation, and job opportunities upon graduating from the School. To this day, we have 116 beneficiaries, and 75% have joined the Johanna Ortiz atelier.

In recent years, there has been a global boom in Latin culture, and as a Colombian designer, you have become an exponent of Latin American fashion internationally. How far would you like to go?

The boom in Latin culture globally is very exciting, and I feel honored to represent my country and my region in the fashion industry. I aspire to continue expanding the brand internationally, reaching more markets and sharing the beauty and richness of our roots.

“I aspire to continue expanding the brand internationally, reaching more markets and sharing the beauty and richness of our roots.”

Relationship with beauty:

What is beauty to you, and how do you experience it in your routine?

It is an expression of authenticity and confidence. In my daily life, I take care of my skin with simple routines in the morning and before going to sleep.

What or who inspires you in your day-to-day life?

My mom, my children, my family, and the JO team are my source of daily inspiration.

Who are your beauty icons?

My beauty icons are authentic and self-confident women. I admire women who embrace their individuality and unique beauty.

Beauty Questionnaire:

What is your skincare routine?

I like to keep my skin healthy and natural. My routine includes daily cleansing, moisturizing products, and I never skip sunscreen.

For me, nutrition is also super important—nothing to an extreme, just well-being. If I do this well, my skin notices and appreciates it!

Is there anything left for you to learn or try in the beauty world?

I think there is always something to learn. I am open to trying and discovering new products and techniques that can improve my daily routine.

What are your favorite treatments? (From Beldon Beauty)

I think the therapeutic massages when I return from Paris Fashion Week are the best gift I can give myself.