7 Fashion Designers From Guatemala You Should Know

Guatemala may be known more for its culture and landscape than for its fashion, but things are about to change. Though this small Central American country only held its first fashion week in 2014, fashion has become increasingly important and fashion influencers more prominent. From runway couture to ethical trends, here are seven Guatemalan designers you should know.

Guillermo Jop

At the forefront of Guatemala’s fashion revolution is runway couture designer Guillermo Jop, head designer for the GUiSHEM brand. The Guatemala City native considers himself a “pioneer of fashion” for his country, and has dressed celebrities including Kristen Stewart, Kelly Osbourne, Julianne Hough, Christina Milian, and Bella Thorne. Jop has worked in Europe, New York City, and Guatemala, with some of the world’s top designers like Donna Karan, Zac Posen, and La Perla. Jop won the La Perla Award in 2004, the Centro America Moda best young designer in 2007, and has been named one of Guatemala’s Top 10 People.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTSmzjkFY_y/?taken-by=guishem

Maria’s Bags

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWGeWRagfsE/?taken-by=mariasbag

Isabella Springmühl

Young designer Isabella Springmühl made headlines around the world recently. The 19-year-old has Down’s Syndrome and was turned down by design schools, but refused to let that get in the way of her fashion dreams. Last year Springmühl became the first designer with Down’s Syndrome to showcase her designs at London Fashion Week, and will soon head to Rome to show off her new collection. Her creations for her Down to Xjabelle label are influenced by Guatemalan folklore and use Mayan textiles and patterns.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BReALaeFmH_/?taken-by=down2xjabelle

Eduardo Figueroa

Eduardo Figueroa’s creations merge high-couture with Mayan designs, something he feels helps non-indigenous people appreciate these traditional designs. “I am inspired by color, and Guatemalan textiles are rich in color,” Figueroa says. “There are people who would tell you that traditional textiles are just for cushions and tablecloths, but I tell them that they can be used in many ways.” His designs have been seen on Guatemalan celebrities and politicians, and he won international recognition for the dress he designed for Miss Guatemala during the Miss World competition.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BX5murdlhe6/?taken-by=eduardofigueroaoficial

Hiptipico

Leading the way for ethical fashion is Hiptipico, a brand based in Panajachel that showcases Mayan handmade creations. The name Hiptipico comes from “tipico,” which is the name of the traditional clothing worn by the Guatemalan Maya, and preserving the local culture and creating jobs is part of the Hiptipico mission. Every Hiptipico item is handmade by indigenous communities and uses only high-quality, sustainable fabrics. This ethical brand is already available on Asos, Urban Outfitters, Free People, Topshop and WhoWhatWear.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYJzMqqFR5h/?taken-by=hiptipico

Karim Corzo

Like Maria’s Bags, shoe designer Karim Corzo also incorporates huipils in her designs, helping to bring these traditional textiles into Guatemalan haute couture. Corzo doesn’t use huipils in her creations just for their beauty; like Hiptipico, she was keen to provide job opportunities and saw economic benefit to this trend. Her shoes feature huipils from several different regions of Guatemala, and all are woven by indigenous women. Corzo’s designs are unique and elegant, but always comfortable, and include ballerinas, boots, wedges, peep toes and pumps.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQwW6zXlaKy/?taken-by=karimcorzo

Juan Carlos Quintana

After 12 years in couture and luxury fashion, Juan Carlos Quintana established Quintana Couture in 2001, and his London atelier in 2009. Inspired by femininity, luxury and individuality, Quintana’s use of vibrant colors and varied textures stems from his Guatemalan roots. Quintana Couture is best known for designing elegant and luxurious evening wear, red carpet dresses, and bridal gowns, and celebrities including Myleene Klass, Amanda Holden and Jane Asher have all worn Quintana Couture designs.
https://www.instagram.com/p/vRZWfFvirl/?taken-by=quintanacouture

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.