Ulla Johnson is expanding her empire with a new store opening on Madison Avenue in New York City. This comes after the success of her Bleecker Street location in 2017 and the LA store that followed in 2023. Known for her slow and steady approach to growth, Ulla Johnson has quietly become one of American fashion’s biggest success stories, transcending her reputation as just a maker of pretty frocks.
The latest resort lookbook from Ulla Johnson was shot on location in Paris, showcasing her signature style that caters to a woman on the move. Collaborating with the estate of the late Czech artist Anna Zemánková for seasonal prints, Johnson drew inspiration from Zemánková’s Art Brut botanical drawings, currently on display at the Barbara Gladstone Gallery. The prints adorn cotton poplin sets, a sculptural trench, and a cropped bomber jacket with a voluminous back, reflecting Zemánková’s surreal, spiritual dialogue with nature.
Incorporating Zemánková’s palette into her collection, Ulla Johnson experimented with bold color combinations such as pool blue with burgundy and violet with pale peach. Emphasizing texture, Johnson showcased a special occasion dress in orange and gold fringe jacquard with uneven lengths, avoiding a too precious look. Party dresses featured hand-crinkled metallic lurex poly satin, adding a sense of movement through their irregularity.
One standout piece from the collection is a crochet dress inspired by bedspreads found in Majorca and crafted by a team of women artisans. Unfortunately, the dress did not arrive in time for the shoot, highlighting the challenges of working with craftspeople worldwide amidst current geopolitical tensions. Despite these challenges, Ulla Johnson remains committed to amplifying women’s voices and empowering them through her designs.
With a focus on making women feel beautiful and powerful, Ulla Johnson continues to push boundaries in the fashion industry, staying true to her ethos of craftsmanship and creativity. The upcoming Madison Avenue store promises to bring her unique vision to a new audience, solidifying her position as a force to be reckoned with in American fashion.
