88% matchCamilla
Hand-drawn print silk kaftans with heavier embellishment
What changes: Australian resort maximalism, bolder saturated prints vs muted embroidery
Brand profile
Johnny Was
Los Angeles bohemian womenswear label known for heavily embroidered silk kimonos, tunics and dresses; owned by Oxford Industries since 2022.
Los AngelesOrigin
WomenswearFocus
Minimalist / ContemporaryStyle
$$$Price
4 brands like Johnny Was like Camilla, Misa Los Angeles, LoveShackFancy →
What to know about Johnny Was
Embroidery does the work
Dense floral embroidery on silk, rayon and cotton is the whole proposition — kimonos, tunics, blouses and maxi dresses built around surface pattern rather than cut.
Womenswear only, California bohemian
Founded in Los Angeles in 1987, the line draws on free-spirit dressing and global folk-craft motifs, and extends to knitwear, jewellery, footwear and home textiles.
Now part of Oxford Industries
Acquired for $270 million in September 2022, it sits alongside Tommy Bahama and Lilly Pulitzer and sells through its own stores, department stores and e-commerce.
If you like Johnny Was
88% match
82% matchMisa Los Angeles
Same LA boho resort silhouettes, less embroidery
What changes: Lighter on craft detail, more occasion/party leaning
74% matchLoveShackFancy
Romantic florals and lace instead of folk embroidery
What changes: Prairie-girl femininity and pastels rather than global folk motifs
71% matchRixo
Vintage-print silk dresses, print-led rather than stitched
What changes: London vintage prints, no embroidery craft; slimmer range
Brand facts
Johnny Was makes bohemian womenswear centred on dense floral embroidery applied to silk, rayon and cotton. Signature pieces include embroidered kimonos, tunics, blouses and maxi dresses, alongside knitwear, jewellery, footwear and home textiles. Founded in Los Angeles in 1987, the label draws on California free-spirit dressing and global folk-craft motifs. Oxford Industries, owner of Tommy Bahama and Lilly Pulitzer, acquired the brand for $270 million in September 2022 and operates it as one of its lifestyle labels. Distribution spans owned stores, department stores and e-commerce.
- Founded
- 1987
- Origin
- Los Angeles, United States
- Made in
- USA, China, India
- Price
- $$$
- Focus
- Womenswear
- Facts checked
- August 2026
- Styles
- Minimalist / Contemporary, Y2K, Quiet luxury