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Fashion
ULLA'S WORLD
Designer Ulla Johnson's universe is anything but ordinary. Just looking at one of Ulla Johnson’s exquisite dresses is like being transported to a far-flung destination. Take her spring-summer 2021 collection, for example. An exploration of potent colours and endless frills, unapologetically feminine, simple, free and utterly joyous, this is not the collection you might expect to emerge in the midst of a global pandemic from a designer who lists travel as one of her biggest inspirations. But therein lies the magic of Ulla. Her designs are a ticket to escape the everyday and embrace the extraordinary.
The Ulla Johnson spring-summer 2021 show in New York City.
"We looked to Japan and the art of Ikebana for the 2021 collection,” Ulla explains. “The show was a homage to New York, a tribute to our hometown that was the epicentre of the pandemic here at one point. But equally and importantly, the collection imbued an escapist sensibility; floral prints and botanical ruffles blooming within a concrete jungle."
Japan and the art of Ikebana inspired elements of Ulla's 2021 collection.
That escapist sensibility has been part of the label's DNA since Johnson blossomed onto the fashion scene in 1999. Informed and inspired by her formal education in women's studies and liberal arts (a pursuit encouraged by her academic, archaeologist parents), Ulla's designs have garnered a dedicated following of transcendently cool and inspirational women including Gwyneth Paltrow and Sienna Miller.
We feel strongly that handmade pieces carry a distinct emotional weight and connection between the maker and the wearer, and we love to see and celebrate the hand of the artist.
Ulla Johnson
Ulla Johnson escapes the city to Montauk during the long hot New York summers.
As a jet-setting mother of three, Ulla's approach is all about ease of wear. "Becoming a mother and constantly travelling has made me appreciate things that I can sort of mix and match that work equally well in the city, or maybe when I’m in Montauk, or on the weekend with my kids going out, or when I’m travelling in Peru, or when I’m in Paris. I like having my wardrobe be one that’s not necessarily defined by a space or time."
Ulla Johnson works with artisan groups globally in the development of her collection, from communities in Peru and Uruguay to Kenya and closer to home in Brooklyn
The global, inclusive, multicultural feeling that emanates from her clothing comes not only from her travel inspirations; it's a carefully considered element of what Ulla is creating at the brand. " We work with the most extraordinary artisan groups globally in the development of our collection, from communities in Peru and Uruguay to Kenya and closer to home in Brooklyn. We feel strongly that handmade pieces carry a distinct emotional weight and connection between the maker and the wearer, and we love to see and celebrate the hand of the artist."
From designing her collection during a pandemic to navigating creativity from home, what were the designer's biggest learnings in 2020? "This crisis has reinforced in us our commitment to that which we hold dear both personally and professionally. Our family. Our team. Our city. Within that, a continued desire to celebrate the beauty of what we do, to inspire and empower women through dress, to create a place and space for fantasy and optimism."
So, while far-flung destinations may still be on our wish list for now, there's no need to worry. Simply slip on an Ulla Johnson piece, and escape.
ESCAPE WITH ULLA
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