JOHANNA ORTIZ
Johanna Ortiz, a native of Cali, Colombia, has built her namesake brand on two pillars: the wonder and natural beauty of her homeland and her unwavering belief in women's power and support.
ABOUT JOHANNA
Johanna Ortiz left her beloved Colombia to study Fashion Design at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. After graduating with honors and completing her formal fashion design education in New York and Paris, Johanna returned to Colombia with a thirst to create. What began in 2003 as a resort collection centered around swimwear has evolved into a distinguished career in fashion and a global luxury lifestyle brand encompassing ready-to-wear, resort, accessory, and home collections.
SUSTAINABILITY & FEMALE EMPOWERMENT
With a commitment to social causes and female opportunity and empowerment, Johanna leads a team of more than 460 individuals, 78% of them being women, many of whom are also heads of their families and households. Ortizās unwavering dedication to creating social change through fashion is exemplified through the "Escuela Johanna Ortiz",Ā an on-site program offering couture-level seamstress training to local vulnerable and at-risk populations, helping over 350 individuals achieve economic independence and emotional resilience.Ā Additionally, Ortiz collaborates with 23 indigenous communities and artisanal associations, supporting more than 260 artisans across Colombia and Latin America, preserving traditional crafts and generational techniques.
LATIN AMERICAN DESIGNER
Acknowledged as one of the foremost Latin designers represented on the luxury fashion stage, Johanna has received global acclaim, being included as part of the BoF 500 since 2017 and recognized by American Vogue as a key influencer within the fashion industry. Inspired by the rich biodiversity of Latin America, the resilient female spirit, and her personal explorations, Johanna infuses her designs with a love for color and print and executes fit and exquisite silhouettes with precision and detail. A treasure among global fashion enthusiasts, Johanna Ortiz reflects an unabashed air of exuberant elegance.