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The great thing about art and fashion is that it allows creative minds to unleash unexpected expression, emotion and talent in various ways. One such up-and-coming fashion designer, Isabella Springmuhl, is doing so, and paving her own, unexpected path along the way.
With her Down to Xjabelle line of apparel and accessories, the designer takes inspiration from her native Guatemalan roots to craft textiles and knit modern and vibrant pieces featuring ponchos, blazers and capelets adorned with patchwork woven by indigenous Mayan women who live in rural villages in Guatemala.
But what's more, is that at just 19 years old, she is the first fashion designer with Down Syndrome to show a collection at London Fashion Week - a feat that has not gone unnoticed in the infamously insular world of prestigious catwalks that dot the annual fashion week calendar in select cities around the world.
It has been an extra special achievement for Springmuhl, who applied to study fashion in Guatemala and was denied acceptance due to her syndrome. The experience only fueled a fire that catapulted her forward - and the result has been monumental in helping her achieve her dream of designing clothes for other fashion-forward youth with Down Syndrome.
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