TRAVEL

Johanna Ortiz Takes Colombia

Tag along with the fashion designer as she prepares for her Resort 2016 collection during Colombiamoda.

by Sarah Leon

Johanna Ortiz at Colombiamoda

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“Here I am in my studio in Cali, Colombia the morning before I left for Colombiamoda – Colombia’s Fashion Week in Medellin—where I showed my Resort 2016 collection.”

Courtesy of Johanna Ortiz

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“This collection was inspired by the orchid – Colombia’s national flower. In these fabric samples, you can see a close up of the floral patterns and vibrant colors. Some pieces were individually hand-embroidered by my incredible team at the studio.”

Courtesy of Johanna Ortiz

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Orchid-inspired details.

Courtesy of Johanna Ortiz

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“My moodboard gives a sense of the festive, elegant, and always vibrant pieces that came out of the collection.”

Courtesy of Johanna Ortiz

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“In addition to preparing for the show, I took some time to explore Medellin, which is such great city. This is an image of the construction site of the new building of Medellin’s Modern Art Museum, MAMM. The museum’s director, Maria Mercedes Gonzalez, and head curator, Emiliano Valdes, kindly gave my team a private tour. I can’t wait for it to open in September.”

Courtesy of Johanna Ortiz

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“The night before my show, I stayed up late working with my business partner and friend, Adriana Arboleda, and my fantastic design assistant Maria Isabel Guzman, pictured here.”

Courtesy of Johanna Ortiz

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“Adriana and I woke up early the day of the show to review the runway order for a last time.”

Courtesy of Johanna Ortiz

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“My team from the studio sent me this very heartfelt letter to surprise me on the day of the show. My eyes teared up as I read it, I was so moved by their support.”

Courtesy of Johanna Ortiz

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“Before each model steps onto the runway, I personally make sure all of the details are perfect.”

Courtesy of Johanna Ortiz

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“This is an image of one of Colombia’s top models, Toya Montoya. She has worked with me for years.”

Courtesy of Johanna Ortiz

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“When I came out at the end of the show with all of my models. It was a very happy moment for me.”

Courtesy of Johanna Ortiz

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“After the show, we celebrated with a night out in Medellin. We joined our closest friends and family for dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Ocio. It was the perfect end to a beautiful week.”

Courtesy of Johanna Ortiz