Hidden among the mangroves of Colombia is Playa de Juan de Dios. Accessible by boat three hours beyond the city of Cali, the beach is something straight out of "The Blue Lagoon." Surrounded by swaying palm trees and lush green jungle, the shores of Juan de Dios synonymize seclusion. When your boat arrives at Juan de Dios, you splash into a world where the rest of society fades into a distant memory. There is only you, the palm trees, and the singsong of the waves.
It is from this exotic oasis that Maria Fernanda Valencia and Isabella Gutierrez sourced inspiration.
Together, the two women spearhead Juan de Dios, the circular lifestyle brand with women's resortwear that can be worn any day on the calendar. Valencia is the founder and creative director, while Gutierrez directs sales and finance for a brand that honors the craftsmanship of Latin America and the beauty of its natural wonders. As designers, Valencia and her team of women thread each fabric, pattern, and silhouette with the unique heritage of Colombia's creative minds. The clothing is more than fashion; it expresses Colombia's ethical approach to textiles.
Juan de Dios protects the land that inspires its palm prints and animal patterns. Recyclable yarn spun and woven by an almost all-women team of Colombian artisans, helps ensure sustainable, slow production. All textiles are certified by European Flax. This premium linen is found in France, Belgium, and The Netherlands. Cultivated without harmful irrigation, this vegetable fiber is GMO-free, guaranteed by CELC (European Federation of Flax and Hemp).
In addition to being derived from vegetable fibers, all materials boast traceability standards through the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Juan de Dios’ GOTS certification allows customers to shop with a clean conscience, knowing that every item is chemical-free and spun by human hands with organic silk, wool, and cotton.
The human element of sustainability also defines Juan de Dios. While women-first, it's also a tight-knit family. Of its 33 in-house employees, 85% are women. All apparel is made in Colombia using the plant fibers of the land Juan de Dios honors in its jungle-inspired designs.
Through all of this, Juan de Dios gives back to its people. El Banco de Alimentos Cali Foundation, which feeds vulnerable populations in Cali and its neighbors, gets 5% of on-line sales. Colombia, its heartland, and its women are woven into the very fabric of Juan de Dios, allowing you to carry the tropical nation wherever you go.
Resortwear defines Juan de Dios. Flouncy maxi dresses, flowing blouses, and printed midi skirts are lightweight and reflect the earthy tones of the beach. You’ll find the sands of the playa in the apparel, blended with hints of jungle flora in the subtle pops of color. A mix of elegance and casual, women can mix and match, dress up or down, and transition from a day at the office to a night on the town.
Resort 25, for example, experiments with the darker shade of a deep Colombian orchid, violet and bold with hints of beachy creams and sunset reds. For instance, the Nazare Linen Midi Tunic Dress is a structured, embroidered midi length that appeals to both ends of summertime fashion for women. It doubles as a swimsuit cover-up, but with a few statement accessories (also designed by Juan de Dios), transitions into formal evening wear. The dress embodies the brand’s eco-versatility, found in its woman-first apparel, swimwear, and accessories.
Lifestyle, defined by Colombian values, extends beyond ready-to-wear for the fashionista woman. JDD Home features a pantry’s worth of home goods for homemaking women. The Tucan Linen Cocktail Napkin Sets, Mambo Baskets, Egua Basket, palm Plataneras Tablecloth, Jaiba Cucharas, and Herradura Dinner plates fill your home with the motifs of Colombian daily life. Hand-painted porcelain and weaves of Paja Tetera (a fiber native to Colombia’s Pacific coast) decorate interiors with vintage tropicales distinct to old-world Latin charm.
Juan de Dios is more than just a clothing brand—it's a celebration of Colombia’s rich heritage, craftsmanship, and natural beauty. With sustainability at its core and a deep commitment to empowering women artisans, the brand weaves the essence of the tropics into every piece, from resort wear to home décor. Whether worn by the water’s edge or in the heart of the city, Juan de Dios offers an effortless blend of elegance and ease, allowing you to carry a piece of paradise wherever you go.
