With the imposing and solemn Círculo de Bellas Artes as the backdrop, Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz opened the 83rd edition of the MBFWMadrid catwalk on Tuesday afternoon. Running until March 22, and together with Madrid es Moda (held from March 12 to 17), it forms the Spanish capital’s fashion week. The Cali-born designer, invited as this edition’s guest, presented an autumn collection on the runway that distilled the house codes: lightweight pieces, fluid silhouettes, abundant color and a bohemian touch.
A female rendition of the classic “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” mellowed the lively mood (Ortiz’s show drew a large contingent of fellow Colombians, as well as local celebrities and national and international influencers). Models took to the carpeted floor in looks featuring botanical prints; evening ensembles reimagining the classic pajamas; strong-shouldered designs (with nods to matador jackets); pieces with delicate, intricate embroidery; leather waistcoats; layered skirts with plenty of movement; and kaftan-inspired dresses.
Spanning black to white, with chocolate brown, aquamarine, orange and red in between, the collection, entitled “Alma”, drew inspiration from “an inner paradise; that moment after the party when glamor becomes completely natural,” according to the designer.
As guest designer, Johanna Ortiz opened this new edition of MBFWMadrid, which this March consolidates its shift—already visible in last September’s edition—towards a more international outlook and a closer connection with the city. Thus, Tuesday’s opening day will be followed by two more, with shows scheduled at landmark venues in central Madrid such as the Palacio de Cibeles, the Teatro Infanta Isabel and the Palacio de Fernán Núñez. From March 20 to 22, the catwalk will continue at the IFEMA Madrid exhibition centre.
In this edition, MBFWMadrid has extended its program to five days (the last dedicated to emerging talent via the Ego platform) and brings together around thirty designers. With that international ambition as a backdrop, on Tuesday night it also held an awards ceremony in collaboration with NARS, the event’s main sponsor. The International Designer Award went to Johanna Ortiz, presented by Elizabeth von der Goltz, an executive with extensive experience in the luxury sector who has worked for companies including Bergdorf Goodman, Matchesfashion, Farfetch and poshmark.
“Madrid opened its doors to me in an incredible way. I feel very fortunate to be able to present this autumn-winter collection as a woman from the tropics; I am flattered by the reception it has received. Thank you to Madrid for being the home that serves as my gateway to Europe and helps make Johanna Ortiz a brand with global recognition. I am honored to represent a label backed by 470 people building a dream with me,” said the designer, one of the key names in contemporary Latin American. fashion, as she collected her award.
In addition, the National Designer Award went to Juan Vidal (presented by Óscar Romera, general coordinator for Economy, Commerce and Consumer Affairs at Madrid City Council), who dedicated the prize “to his colleagues in the profession.”
Finally, the NARS Icon Award was presented by New York influencer and entrepreneur Leandra Medine and went to Jaime Álvarez, founder of Mans.
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