Dress to impress, with Ulla Johnson

There’s no excuse quite like a far-flung vacation to overhaul your off-duty look; sun-drenched days spent exploring new cities and balmy candlelit dinners call for joyful pieces that strike the perfect balance between fun and refined. Enter Ulla Johnson, the cult designer whose eponymous label has been a favorite of fashion insiders since it was founded back in 1998. No matter what’s on your itinerary, from exploring local markets to days spent on the beach and attending summer weddings, Johnson’s one-of-a-kind pieces will ensure you look the part.

Wondering how a brand based in New York City can boast such a decidedly global outlook? As the daughter of archaeologists and ardent art collectors, Johnson, who was born and bred in the city, was instilled with an appreciation and respect for other cultures from day one. She has had a particular love for textiles since she was just a little girl; and this passion comes alive in each and every one of her exquisitely constructed collections – SS20 is no exception. In homage to the melting pot that is New York, the city she calls home, Johnson brings an abundance of international influences together in an eclectic and compelling mix. Inspired by everything from traditional Japanese dyeing methods to West African prints and Jackie Nickerson’s site-specific photography, the pieces combine style and substance. As ever, the collection is created using natural fabrics and artisanal techniques, with an emphasis on faultless fit. Johnson’s eye-watering list of brand fans – including Hollywood stars Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes and Sarah Paulson, not to mention fashion insiders Carolyn Murphy, Kate Young and Alexa Chung – is a testament to the label’s universal appeal and ability to make every woman who wears it feel confident, comfortable and, of course, chic.

Top of our wish list this season? Johnson’s show-stopping red dress. From the dramatic floor-sweeping hems to the open back and the subtle tie-dye print – reminiscent of tropical sunsets – this piece is guaranteed to turn heads. When it comes to styling, let the warm colors of this diaphanous dress set the tone. Pairing a crimson dress with coordinating earrings and shoes might sound like a daring proposition, but it actually makes for a polished and contemporary twist. Just be sure to keep your makeup and hair pared-back – this will ensure the finished look feels as effortless as it is elegant.

Ultimately, Johnson’s allure lies in the fact that her designs are truly transcendent. Her pieces aren’t just timely and timeless, they’re also filled with wanderlust; take them on your travels and her stunning pieces will forever transport you back to magical days and nights spent with friends and family all over the world.