The Río Magdalena, Colombia’s majestic river, flows northward through the country’s western half, carrying centuries of history, from pre-Columbian cultures to Spanish colonization. Named after Mary Magdalene, it remains a powerful symbol of the nation’s spirit and continuity. Johanna Ortiz drew from this legacy for her spring collection, called Magdalena, an homage to her Colombian roots.
Her most tangible gesture of support for Colombia’s heritage lies in her ongoing commitment to local craftsmanship and artisanal culture. At her Cali atelier—founded to employ and empower regional talent—around 480 artisans, 78% of them women, bring her designs to life. The atelier also houses a school where traditional techniques are taught and preserved. While silks and jerseys are sourced from Italy, every piece is entirely crafted in-house, grounding Ortiz’s vision in the authenticity of Colombian handwork.
This season, her prints echoed the lush textures of tropical landscapes. Earthy, sun-warmed tones defined sporty cropped jackets worn over her signature long, fluid dresses cinched with high-waisted corset belts woven from natural fibers; languid silhouettes were often layered under matching shawls or shimmering with sequined panels. Ortiz also infused personal memories into the styling with pieces from her private collection of mochila bags—traditional basket designs meticulously handmade by the Kankuamo community of the Sierra Nevada. “I really relate to the river at this point in my life,” said Ortiz. “Sometimes we keep circling back, pushing ourselves a little too hard. But right now, I’m learning to let things flow. This collection reflects that moment—living one day at a time, allowing each new day to bring its own adventure and magic.”
