Interview Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz presents for the first time at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid. Credits: Johanna Ortiz Buenos Aires – Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz is participating for the first time in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid, adding a new milestone to her brand's international expansion. Based in the city of Cali, where she maintains production and a team of over 460 people, the creator has built a Latin American luxury brand with a global presence over the last two decades. In this interview, Ortiz reflects on the growth of her brand, which is now over two decades old; the educational project with which she seeks to train talent in her community; and how she feels every time she presents a collection. Johanna Ortiz SS26. Credits: Johanna Ortiz How did the invitation to participate in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid come about? I think they wanted to have an international guest, as they always have. It is a way of giving relevance to the Fashion Week and ensuring it is not just for local designers. I have been to Madrid many times. I think it is one of those places where I feel at home, so when I was invited to present the autumn/winter collection, I said it was an incredible opportunity to show it here. Furthermore, when they told me they wanted me to open the event, I felt it was an honour. This brought some changes to your presentations as you had been doing them… We normally present in Paris…
