H&M’s Brand New Designer Collaboration Offers Dresses For All Seasons

H&M's designer collaborations have been many and varied but today sees the launch of its first ever partnership with a Latin American designer: Johanna Ortiz. She has become an industry favourite with her vibrant use of colour, print and ruffled dresses, which have also been enormously successful with women all over the world. Business of Fashion has named Ortiz as one of its BoF 500, a definitive index of fashion's most powerful and influential. Now, she has brought her magic to the high street.

Born in Colombia, it's clear that Ortiz's heritage greatly influences her designs, seen in playful silhouettes, layers of ruffles, strong, vivid colours and blown-up floral patterns. 'The prints all come from my obsession with the flowers, the palm trees and the beautiful colours I am blessed to see out the window when I wake up at home in Cali, in my native Colombia,' Ortiz said. 'The imprint of Latin America and its uniquely festive atmosphere is something that can be felt in each [of my] designs, so I’m thrilled that so many women in the world will have a little piece of Colombia in their wardrobes.'

Today sees the initial launch of just four styles from the collection, all of which are striking dresses that could be worn at any time of the year. While just looking at the yellow maxi is enough to make you book a holiday, it will look excellent with knee-high boots and a lightweight roll neck layered underneath while it's still winter. The patterned flounced dress will make for a great (and more sustainable) alternative to sequins this party season – just add some statement tights and heels.

The rest of the collection will be available in March 2020, just in time for better weather. Given that most of Ortiz's mainline designs can fetch over £2,000, it seems almost too good to be true that we can all add some of her joyful creations to our wardrobe for £49.99, the price of the most expensive dress in the first drop. Maybe it's a Christmas miracle?

SHOP: Johanna Ortiz x H&M