Ulla Johnson talks first international retail pop-ups in the UK and Portugal
Her husband's work in galleries, auctions, and contemporary art sparked her affinity for art.
"As a brand, we are speaking about it more. In 2020, we used Alma Allen's sculptures in the New York Public Library for our show. We collaborated with estates like the Pollock-Krasner estate to feature Lee Krasner's work and living artists like Brooklyn painter Shara Hughes. We do try to shine a line on New York cultural institutions," she added.
The brand has also stood for working with artisans the world over, whether on aspects of the collection or pieces for the brand's physical spaces.
"We worked with French artist Julie Hamisky, the granddaughter of Claude Melin, and artisanal communities in Peru. I have a project I can't divulge for next spring that shines a light on American female painters," said the designer, who also recently won an American Image Award.
"I've spent my life celebrating women and their voices collectively and making them feel beautiful. This is an incredibly intimate dialogue that I have with women. As the business has grown, I feel honored to be trusted by women this way. I also wear and wear the clothes, so what I do feels natural and personal. I don't love to talk about myself. I much prefer to be sort of sending out things that speak to my heart," Johnson admitted.
Working with artisans elsewhere is topical in today's tariff climate.
"We have to look at this as an opportunity to continue to do things with new regions, but we do make things here. There's a limited capacity for things like embroideries and hand looms. These things, unfortunately, have not been honored and upheld in the United States," she said, noting that the situation will affect some of her long-term partners and small businesses the most.
"It's hurting people that are the last people that should be hurt. My platform enables me to reach a wider audience through what we make and care about. A lot is going on in the US, and it is very complicated right now. I'm more committed to using my voice to shine a light on things that I think are important to speak, defend, and celebrate."
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