Johanna Ortiz is bringing her bold style to H&M…

Following an exclusive pre-drop of four dresses, H&M has announced that its collaboration with the Colombian designer will launch in full in March 2020. 

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 main collection will launch in select H&M stores and online at hm.com on March 12.

The collaboration is a true meeting of minds: the H&M design team travelled 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 reenergized colorways.

Key pieces include a vibrant red floral maxi dress, a magenta midi dress in broderie anglaise, a black patterned floor-length column dress in viscose crepe – one of Ortiz’s personal favorites – and a 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.