Johanna Ortiz Resort 2024 Lookbook

Johanna Ortiz presented her highly anticipated Resort 2024 collection in New York, captivating guests at the exclusive Casa Cruz restaurant/private club. The venue's ambiance, adorned with tropical leaf paintings, perfectly set the stage for Ortiz's vision of an amalgamation of the '70s and '90s fashion eras.

Stepping away from her signature ruffles, voluminous silhouettes, and bold prints, Ortiz embraced a more streamlined and body-conscious approach for this collection. The result was a selection of slinky and effortlessly sexy dresses that exuded sensuality without appearing contrived. Ortiz's design process was notably unique, as she emphasized that everything stemmed from fabric draping and fitting on the models, rather than traditional sketching techniques.

While Ortiz veered away from excessive prints, she skillfully incorporated them through a three-dimensional lens. One standout piece that caught immediate attention was a slim, long-sleeve column dress crafted from a dusty pink semi-sheer fabric adorned with lavender sequin-embroidered stripes. Another noteworthy creation was a gauzy wine-colored caftan featuring an abstract pattern formed by delicate embroidery.

Ortiz's palm motif, a signature element of her designs, made an appearance in the collection, albeit in a subtler form. Transformed into tonal polka dot-esque details on silk slip dresses, the palm motif added a touch of whimsy and playfulness to the garments.

In terms of fabrication, Ortiz prioritized wearability and ease of travel. She aimed to create pieces that were packable and lightweight, ensuring versatility for the modern jet-setter. This was evident in the use of silk jacquards embellished with gold thread, which possessed an airy quality akin to cotton voile. Noteworthy was a short dress with a sweetheart neckline and a dramatic floor-length "bow" detail at the back, exuding an effortlessly chic appeal.

Ortiz's craftsmanship and attention to detail were showcased through a dress featuring flared sleeves and strategic cutouts around the stomach. The opulent floral embroidery, composed of sequins, raffia, and beads in shades of pink and orange, created a vibrant contrast against the rich burgundy silk base, resulting in a visually striking ensemble.