Hey there, fellow fashion lover! If you‘ve been eyeing the gorgeous bohemian designs of Johnny Was but hesitating to take the plunge due to the premium price tags, you‘re not alone. As a long-time fan of the brand and a self-professed fashionista, I‘ve spent countless hours (and, let‘s be real, dollars) exploring the world of Johnny Was. And I‘m here to tell you: these pieces are truly something special.
In this in-depth review, I‘ll be sharing my honest thoughts on what makes Johnny Was clothing worth the investment, from the luxurious fabrics to the one-of-a-kind details that set these designs apart. I‘ll also dive into the brand‘s fascinating history, give you a peek behind the scenes of their production process, and share some styling tips based on my own experience wearing Johnny Was. So pour yourself a cup of tea, settle in, and let‘s explore the enchanting world of this bohemian brand together!
The Johnny Was Story
The first time I came across Johnny Was, I was instantly enchanted by the rich, colorful embroidery and flowing silhouettes that seemed to tell a story. As I delved deeper into the brand, I discovered that this sense of artistry and passion for craftsmanship has been woven into the company from the very beginning.
Johnny Was was founded back in 1987 by Eli Levite, a Los Angeles-based designer with a vision for creating effortlessly elegant clothing with a bohemian twist. In the early days, Levite sold his designs to boutiques and specialty stores, slowly building a devoted following among free-spirited fashion lovers.
As the brand‘s popularity grew, Johnny Was expanded into department stores and launched its own retail locations, becoming the global lifestyle brand we know today. Along the way, they‘ve stayed true to their original vision while continuously innovating and adapting to the changing fashion landscape.
One thing that sets Johnny Was apart is their commitment to ethical and sustainable production. Many of their pieces are crafted in their Los Angeles production facility, where they can ensure fair wages and safe working conditions for their skilled artisans. They also partner with talented craftspeople in India to create their signature embroidered designs, supporting traditional techniques and providing economic opportunities in local communities.
By prioritizing both style and social responsibility, Johnny Was has cultivated a loyal fan base of women who appreciate the beauty and integrity behind each piece. And as someone who values both fashion and ethics, that‘s a huge part of why I‘ve fallen so deeply in love with this brand.
What Makes Johnny Was Special
Of course, all the good intentions in the world don‘t mean much if the clothes don‘t live up to the hype. Luckily, Johnny Was more than delivers when it comes to quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
Let‘s start with the fabrics. Johnny Was is known for their use of luxurious natural materials like silk, linen, and velvet, which instantly elevate even the most laid-back designs. As someone with sensitive skin, I also appreciate that they prioritize soft, breathable cotton and avoid scratchy synthetic materials.
The silk charmeuse used in their iconic kimonos and dresses is particularly stunning – it has this liquid, buttery drape that feels incredible against the skin and catches the light in the most mesmerizing way. And while silk is notoriously tricky to care for, I‘ve found that my Johnny Was pieces hold up beautifully over time with proper cleaning and storage.
But what really sets Johnny Was apart are the intricate, artisanal details that adorn so many of their pieces. From delicate floral embroidery to bold beadwork and appliques, these handcrafted embellishments add a level of dimension and personality that you simply don‘t find with mass-produced clothing.
I still remember the first time I slipped on the Calliope Embroidered Kimono – I felt like I was wearing a work of art! The vibrant thread painting that covered the back was so detailed, it looked like it had been painted on by hand. And the longer I looked, the more hidden details I discovered – tiny birds peeking out from behind flowers, shimmering sequins catching the light.
It‘s those special touches that make Johnny Was pieces instant conversation starters and cherished additions to any wardrobe. I can‘t tell you how many compliments I‘ve received while wearing my embroidered tunics and beaded jackets – there‘s just something about the brand‘s signature aesthetic that captures people‘s imaginations.
Customer Perspectives
Of course, you don‘t have to just take my word for it – there are countless other Johnny Was devotees out there who have fallen head over heels for the brand‘s bohemian charm.
One long-time customer gushed about her collection of Johnny Was pieces in a recent review, writing: "I‘ve been wearing Johnny Was for over a decade now, and I‘m just as in love with the brand today as I was when I first discovered it. The quality of the fabrics, the beautiful embroidery, the way each piece makes me feel like the best version of myself – it‘s unlike anything else in my closet. Yes, the prices are high, but when I think about the cost-per-wear and the joy I get from these clothes, it‘s worth every penny."
Another fan of the brand praised the versatility and timelessness of Johnny Was designs, noting: "I have Johnny Was pieces in my closet that I‘ve been wearing for years, and they still look and feel amazing. I love that I can dress them up with heels and statement jewelry for a special occasion, or throw them on with sandals for a laid-back weekend look. The designs are so unique and beautiful, but they‘re also classic enough to stand the test of time. That‘s a rare combination, and it‘s what keeps me coming back to the brand again and again."
Reading reviews like these, it‘s clear that Johnny Was has tapped into something special with their designs. By creating clothes that not only look beautiful but also make the wearer feel confident, stylish, and true to themselves, they‘ve fostered a sense of community and loyalty among their customers.
Luxury Brand Positioning
Of course, all of these glowing reviews and effusive praise come with a caveat: Johnny Was is undeniably a luxury brand, with prices to match. Blouses and dresses can easily run upwards of $200, and their signature embroidered kimonos often cost over $400. So what is it that justifies these premium price tags?
For starters, the sheer quality of the materials and construction sets Johnny Was apart from more affordable bohemian brands. The silk used in their pieces is top-of-the-line, with a weight and drape that you simply don‘t find with cheaper alternatives. The same goes for their linen, which is substantial and softens beautifully over time, and their cotton, which is both sturdy and breathable.
But beyond the fabrics themselves, it‘s the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that really sets Johnny Was apart. Each embroidered piece can take hours of meticulous handwork to complete, with skilled artisans carefully stitching each petal and leaf in place using a technique called thread painting.
Similarly, the beadwork and appliques that adorn many Johnny Was designs are painstakingly sewn on by hand, one tiny glass bead or sequin at a time. It‘s a laborious process that simply can‘t be replicated by machine – and it shows in the finished product.
When you hold a Johnny Was piece in your hands, you can feel the difference in quality and construction compared to mass-produced clothing. There‘s a weight and substance to the fabrics, a richness to the colors, and an intricacy to the embellishments that justifies the higher price point.
Of course, luxury is about more than just quality – it‘s also about the entire experience of shopping and wearing the brand. And that‘s another area where Johnny Was excels.
From the moment you step into one of their boutiques or land on their website, you‘re transported into a world of bohemian elegance. The visual merchandising is impeccable, with each piece artfully arranged to showcase its unique details and tell a story. The customer service is attentive and knowledgeable, with stylists who are passionate about helping you find the perfect piece for your taste and lifestyle.
And when your Johnny Was order arrives, the packaging is almost as beautiful as the clothes themselves. Each piece is carefully wrapped in tissue paper and nestled in a sturdy, branded box – it feels like opening a present to yourself every time.
How Johnny Was Compares
So how does Johnny Was stack up against other players in the bohemian fashion space? As someone who‘s tried on her fair share of flowy skirts and embroidered blouses over the years, I can confidently say that Johnny Was is in a league of their own.
Sure, you can find cheaper boho-inspired pieces at fast fashion chains like Free People or Anthropologie. But the quality simply doesn‘t compare – the fabrics are thinner, the embroidery is machine-made and often stiff or scratchy, and the overall construction just feels flimsier.
On the other hand, there are certainly more expensive bohemian brands out there, like Zimmermann or Camilla. But while these designers offer stunning prints and intricate details, their pieces often feel more trendy than timeless. They‘re the kind of thing you might wear for a season or two before they start to feel dated.
What I love about Johnny Was is that their designs manage to feel both of-the-moment and enduringly classic. They have a way of interpreting bohemian style through a more refined, elevated lens that doesn‘t veer into costume territory. The prints are eye-catching but not overwhelming, the silhouettes are relaxed but still flattering, and the embellishments are artful but not overly fussy.
I have Johnny Was pieces that I‘ve been wearing for years, and they still feel just as fresh and relevant as the day I bought them. To me, that‘s the sign of a truly special brand – one that can transcend fleeting trends and become a permanent part of your wardrobe.
A Few of My Favorite Pieces
If you‘re new to Johnny Was and feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the gorgeous options, allow me to share a few of my personal favorite pieces that I think exemplify the brand‘s unique aesthetic.
First up is the Bethanny Embroidered Kimono, which is basically the platonic ideal of a Johnny Was design. The silk charmeuse fabric is impossibly soft and drapey, with a subtle sheen that catches the light beautifully. The all-over floral embroidery is stunning, with intricate details like tiny birds and butterflies peeking out from among the blooms. I love throwing this kimono on over a simple tank and jeans for an instantly put-together look that still feels effortless.
Another piece that I reach for time and again is the Luana Linen Tunic Dress. The breathable linen fabric is perfect for hot summer days, while the relaxed fit and side slits keep things breezy and comfortable. But what really sets this dress apart is the gorgeous embroidery on the front and back – it‘s like wearing a work of art! I‘ve dressed it up with wedges for outdoor weddings and dressed it down with sandals for beach vacations, and it always garners compliments.
Finally, I have to give a shoutout to the Stellara Embellished Denim Jacket, which has become my go-to layer for adding a bit of bohemian flair to any outfit. The classic denim jacket silhouette gets a Johnny Was twist with intricate floral embroidery and beading on the back and sleeves. It‘s the perfect piece for throwing on over a sundress or pairing with jeans and a tee – it instantly elevates any look.
Of course, these are just a few of the many, many Johnny Was pieces that I‘ve fallen in love with over the years. Half the fun of shopping the brand is discovering new designs and unexpected details with each collection – there‘s always something fresh and exciting to covet!
The Bottom Line
So, is Johnny Was worth the splurge? In my humble opinion, absolutely – with a few caveats.
There‘s no denying that these pieces come with a hefty price tag, and they‘re certainly not the kind of thing you can impulse-buy on a whim. As with any luxury purchase, it‘s important to do your research, consider your budget, and invest in pieces that you truly love and will wear for years to come.
That being said, I firmly believe that Johnny Was is one of those rare brands that is truly worth the investment. The quality of the materials, the artistry of the craftsmanship, the timelessness of the designs – all of these factors add up to create pieces that are unlike anything else in your wardrobe.
When I slip on a Johnny Was dress or kimono, I instantly feel more confident, more stylish, more like the best version of myself. And that‘s a feeling that‘s hard to put a price tag on.
Plus, when you factor in the cost-per-wear of these pieces, the value becomes even clearer. I have Johnny Was tops and jackets that I‘ve worn hundreds of times over the years, and they still look and feel fantastic. Amortized over all those wears, the price tag starts to feel a lot more reasonable.
But more than just being a smart financial investment, Johnny Was pieces are an investment in your personal style and self-expression. They‘re the kind of clothes that make you feel inspired to take on the world, to embrace your creativity and individuality, to live life on your own terms.
And in a world that can often feel mass-produced and cookie-cutter, that‘s a truly special thing.
So if you‘ve been eyeing a Johnny Was piece and feeling that familiar mix of excitement and hesitation, let me be the voice in your ear urging you to take the plunge. Save up, do your research, choose a design that speaks to your heart – and then wear the hell out of it with pride.
Because life‘s too short to settle for ordinary clothes. And with Johnny Was, you can be extraordinary every day.
