The creative maverick joins forces with the brand to dream up a vivid, juxtaposed collection.
2021 was officially the year of the collaboration. And now, Spanish brand Desigual is looking to keep this trend rolling into 2022, as they partner with creative maverick Johnson Hartig for a deliciously juxtaposed and bombastic collection. Lending their far-reaching bank of creative inspirations and fearlessness-driven ethos to the collection, the brand’s foundational codes are felt throughout, all of which are enhanced by the LA-based designers ‘more is more’ approach to creating.
“Their design philosophy is very close to ours in many ways,” explains Johnson when discussing his alignment with the brand. “They don’t take themselves too seriously to have fun, which always appeals.”
Upon the release of the collection, Johnson sat down to discuss his long-standing passion for art, working collaboratively with the brand and his plans to rest post-release.
Head below to enjoy our interview with Johnson Hartig and head to desigual.com to shop the collection…
Hey Johnson, how are you? How has this past year been?
Hello! The past year has been fantastic! The pandemic was a dream for me- aside from the obvious painful position it put so many people in- it gave me a chance to slow down and recalibrate for the first time in years.
The pandemic has affected the industry in so many ways, what has been the biggest change in your eyes?
That more than ever, there are no rules. Libertine has always worked that way, but now it seems like everyone else is finally catching on!
Talk us through your early days, what about art interested you?
Having studied Art in college, it’s in my DNA. The fact that art and music can physically change one’s chemical makeup is thrilling to me! Blast some Mozart in your studio to see what I mean!
And then you started Libertine, what is the brand’s core beliefs?
Provide something no other brand does. How many other brands can say they still handprint a considerable amount of their garments?
And now you’re collaborating with Desigual, how did this come about?
Christian Lacroix recommended me! talk about the ultimate compliment.
It’s very bold and vibrant! What made you go down this route?
Their design philosophy is very close to ours in many ways. They don’t take themselves too seriously to have fun, which always appeals.
What do you hope people take away from these creations?
Sense of hopefulness and fun.
Who would you say inspires you?
Christian Lacroix! Inarguably one of the most important creatives of the last 100 years. And David Hockney.
What are you most excited for?
The age of Aquarius. The planetary shift needs to come, the path we’re on isn’t a good one.
