In her recent Vogue article, Ulla Johnson shared her journey as a female entrepreneur from student to designer. Ulla Johnson’s understanding of what defines modern femininity has always been at the core of her designs. Her pieces are frilly, but never over the top, pretty and playful without being unkempt.  She knows exactly how to drape an exaggerated ruffle and when to use a puff sleeve. Most importantly, Ulla Johnson knows how women want to feel when they put on her clothes.

“I really care about every detail – I put scuba pulls on the zips so you don’t have to ask someone to help you,” Johnson said in her interview, a simple way to explain the gravity of underestimating the feeling of independence. In her world, women are no longer held within restraints of archaic social rules, but rather free to express themselves through their clothing.

Johnson grew up in Manhattan New York. With archaeologists as parents, she was no stranger to travelling the world. As a new mother, she took her six-week-old daughter with her to Cuzco, finding inspiration in the artisan crafts the men and women in India created. Ever since then, she has worked closely with craftsmen in India, and described her venture as a “turning point” in her career.

As a student, she majored in Psychology and Women’s Studies at the University of Michigan, which gave her a unique lens through which to view how fashion makes women feel. After finishing her studies, Johnson moved back to New York City to work at the Feminist Press, before entering into the world of retail. In the 1990’s, New York City was an epicentre of trendsetting fashion. Johnson began taking sewing and draping lessons to perfect her skills and hone her talent, before creating her own label in 1998.

Ulla Johnson creates sunshine in even her small corner of the globe. Her designs instil an ethereal bohemianism that seems to simultaneously make the wearer feel brave and believed in. Perhaps it is a result of her incurable wanderlust, her designs are a tangible whirlpool of all cultures, and all peoples. Meaning that within every single collection, there is a dress, blouse, trouser or skirt that suits absolutely everyone.

We are proud to be the only Yorkshire stockist of Ulla Johnson. With such a leader at it’s helm, it’s no wonder this powerhouse brand is a favourite amongst stylists and buyers in-store.

Shop Ulla Johnson now.