Ulla Johnson’s first boutique opened in 2017 on a tree lined stretch of New York’s Bleecker Street, followed by Ulla Johnson stores in Amagansett and Los Angeles. The stores introduce Ulla Johnson’s unique and richly layered retail vision showcasing her women’s clothing and accessories.  The shops are a celebration of beauty and optimism, welcoming and intimate spaces. 

"Born and raised in Manhattan, the daughter of archaeologists, Ulla Johnson honed her signature style between the streets of New York and the far-flung destinations of their family travels."

What is Ulla Johnson known for?  Feminine frocks, intricately embroidered blouses, handknits and crochet.

Where are your designs made?  We source all over the world working primarily with artisans in Peru and India but also local plant dyers, Nepalese cashmere spinners, Moroccan weavers, the list keeps growing!

What makes the Ulla Johnson shops so unique?  We pay a great deal of attention to making every material selection and decision with utmost care. We wanted to create a truly singular and transportive experience filled with beauty, flowers, and light.

Who are Ulla Johnson customers?  Travelers, locals, young and old, mothers, daughters, friends, those with an affinity for clothes that make them feel free.

How has the internet impacted your business?  It has been incredible in enabling us to reach a much larger audience both at home and abroad.

Designer Ulla Johnson

Who inspires you?  My husband, my friends, my staff, strangers on the street, historic eccentrics, nomads, my mother.

What inspires you?  Painting.

Before I was a shopkeeper, I….  was building my brand for almost 20 years. T

he hardest lesson learned in starting a business?  How to manage our growth with thoughtfulness and care.

What task do you like to delegate?  Spreadsheet analytics.

Your advice for anyone wanting to open a shop?  Have a clear and unique vision.

Which famous person would you like to visit your shop?  Rihanna & Elizabeth Warren.

If you weren’t a shopkeeper you would be..?  A florist.

What is your perfect day off?  Montauk at the beach with my family.

What are your favorite shops? 

• Perfumer H in London 

• Santa Maria Novella in Florence

• Sennelier in Paris

• Greenlight Bookshop around the corner from my house in Fort Greene

“I think creating something very special and singular is the way forward.”