Isabella Springmuhl is a 19 year old fashion designer from Guatemala. She has Down Syndrome, but that did not stop her from chasing her passion. Her grandmother was a talented designer, and ever since Isabella was young, she was good with needles and thread. Her family noticed how she designed dresses for her dolls, and they recognised her talent. She got better as she got older. After high-school, she applied for university but was denied admission due to her condition. She was eventually taken by a university after her work was showcased on London Fashion Week.
Isabella is inspired by Guatemalan folklore, and she hand-picks authentic, vintage Guatemalan textiles for her designs. She has also worked with indigenous Guatemalan artists who proved to be an artistic influence on her. Her work includes dresses, ponchos and purses; all in vibrant colors with traditional embroidery. She has started her own brand, called Down to Xjabelle, which also includes a clothing line for people with Down Syndrome. The clothing line is detailed and colorful, as she thought that the clothes available to them are usually boring. Her dedication and her drive to succeed is very inspirational, and her presence in the fashion industry will promote diversity while blazing the trail for other designers.
Team Kluchit
