Forest conservation has also long been a key focus for Nespresso and consumers can rest easy knowing that Nespresso has partnered with Conservation International to give back to the forest with its new collection this year. 

In an attempt to continue to protect nature through its agroforestry projects, Nespresso has pledged to protect 10 million trees in the Amazon Forest in La Pedrera, Colombia. 

For these new flavours, Nespresso also worked with Colombian luxury fashion designer Ortiz and got them to design its collection. Ortiz is a global luxury lifestyle brand that was founded in 2003 and that is, today, sold in over 17 counties. The brand is founded on a strong base of artisanal craftsmanship knowledge, ancestral techniques and cultural heritage and is passionate about educating women as well as providing clothing that celebrates women of all shapes and sizes. 

Drawing inspiration from the forest, the Latin American designer came up with an innovative piece of work that seamlessly melds sustainability with nature especially for coffee aficionados. In honour of this collaboration, Tatler sat down with Ortiz and spoke with the designer about her inspiration for the project as well as why she decided to move from designing clothes to coffee. 

Don’t miss: Nespresso And Creme de la Creme Collaborate On Coffee And Coconut Infused Ice Cream

What was your personal inspiration behind your designs for the Nespresso limited edition collection?

Johanna Ortiz (JO): Over the years we’ve been very deliberate about building our brand in a manner that feels authentic and coherent. When the opportunity to work with Nespresso emerged, I immediately felt that our brands shared sense of purpose that would result in a fruitful partnership. It was easy to imagine a bright, festive collection that drew from my life in the tropics. What I see, breathe and feel every day. I wanted to create a design grounded in my roots, that captured our national spirit and honoured the long and important history of the Colombian coffee grower. 

Where did you draw inspiration from when it came to the Nespresso collaboration?

JO: We began with the beauty and richness of the forest canopy. The tropical forest is dense with nature’s exquisite wonder. The pattern is an ode to my Colombian heritage, and the shared patrimony we have committed to protecting for generations to come. The earthy, evocative and festive colour palette felt perfect for the holidays and was an easy fit for all the designs in the collection. 

Why choose to focus on the Amazon forest in particular?

JO: For Festive 2021, Nespresso committed to the protection of the Amazon forest through an organization working in the region. The water systems of the Andes feed the Amazon basin so every ecosystem in Colombia is crucial in the survival of the Amazon. Throughout the process of building this collaboration, we drew inspiration from each other and our mutual commitment to protect the planet with thoughtful and effective initiatives. 

You have done a lot of work with fashion. What made you decide that the Nespresso capsules made a good medium for your designs?

JO: Nespresso understands that beautiful design and attention to detail can elevate any daily ritual. When I saw the final collection I felt such excitement at the prospect of millions of coffee drinkers around the world savouring their morning coffee alongside these little pops of joy. 

You take a lot of pride in conserving artisanal craftsmanship knowledge, ancestral techniques and cultural heritage. How did you bring that into the Nespresso collaboration?

JO: I work closely with local artisans on every one of my collections. It’s an essential part of our mission to support local communities in preserving ancestral crafts and traditions. Coffee is a mainstay of our national culture and economy, and the partnership with Nespresso offered us a unique opportunity to honour the craftsmanship and tradition of the farmers and communities that take such pride in cultivating a world-class crop. 

You frequently attempt to bring “South American Flavour” to your work. Did you manage to do that with this collaboration?

JO: It was an easy task as coffee is an essential element in evoking South American flavour. The tropical forest, an atmosphere that’s at once earthy and bright, was my main inspiration for the prints and colours of the collection and I think it reflects the flavour profiles beautifully. 

How long did the entire project with Nespresso take from start to finish?

JO: From development to launch, it took over a year. Nespresso was so generous with its resources and expertise that every step was a pleasure. I was able to deepen my understanding of design and figure out how it enriches people’s lives across different mediums and I can’t wait to see the final collection out in the world. I hope people love it as much as I do. 

What was your favourite part about collaborating with Nespresso?

JO: There was a natural synergy between our brands that I hope comes across in the final product. Coffee is an integral part of Colombia’s culture and economy so it was an honour to learn more about the industry and how pivotal it is to our past, present and future. Nespresso’s commitment to sustainability and positive social impact is substantial and heartfelt; our shared values made the collaboration a joy. 

What is your personal favourite Nespresso coffee?

JO: My favourite coffee from Nespresso is the Master Origin Colombia. The fruity, sweet notes and red berry aromas evoke the feeling of home. From the Festive range, I’ve been drawn to Forest Black, a spicy espresso that celebrates shade-grown Arabica coffees from Colombia and beyond.

Don’t miss: 8 Leading Chefs Create Coffee-Infused Haute Cuisine For Nespresso Gourmet Weeks

NOW READ

Flash Coffee Opens Flagship Store at Orchard Gateway—Here’s What to Order

International Coffee Day: 7 Coffee-Infused Beauty Products

5 Caffeine-Free Alternatives To Coffee: Roobois, Chai, And More