Colombian Fashion Student Lina Gómez Sets Her Sights on the Global Stage

From Colombia to the World: Lina Gómez's Journey in Fashion Design

Our Women Designers series is an ongoing project celebrating innovative designers worldwide who incorporate YKK® products into their unique creations. In this installment, we introduce 21-year-old Lina Gómez from Bello, Antioquia, Colombia. A dedicated student at Colegiatura Colombiana Institute, Lina is pursuing a degree in Fashion Design. She is also one of the winners of the 2018 Arts of Fashion Foundation Competition in San Francisco, California. We spoke with Lina about her journey in fashion, her creative process, and her future aspirations.

A Passion for Fashion: Lina's Beginnings

Tell us about your experience in fashion, your upbringing, hobbies, and education.

Reading and drawing have always been my greatest passions.

I grew up surrounded by both artistic chaos and structured logic. My father, an artist, nurtured my creativity from an early age, while my interest in fashion stems from my maternal grandparents. My grandfather devoted his life to the textile industry, and my grandmother spent countless hours weaving and sewing. Although I wasn’t initially aware of how much these experiences shaped me, I later realized they laid the foundation for my passion. When my mother gifted me a toy sewing machine (which I still have), I knew fashion design was my calling. I was so determined that I never considered a backup plan.

After high school in 2015, I took a semester off before enrolling at Colegiatura Colombiana Institute to study Fashion Design. Now in my final year, I am deeply grateful for my education, which has shaped me both as a designer and as a person.

The Creative Process

What inspires your work?

I constantly seek inspiration from visual, tactile, and auditory experiences. Everything I encounter—what I touch, see, hear, and think—contributes to my creative process. I still can’t precisely define how my creative process unfolds because it changes with each project. Some ideas work well initially but later require adjustments. However, one constant is my preference for hands-on creation. I believe this connection is something technology cannot replicate. Illustration is also a crucial part of my process.

The creative phase is my favorite because it presents challenges and opportunities for growth. I love that it is an endless journey—one idea always leads to another.

Advice for Aspiring Designers

What advice would you give to young people pursuing a career in fashion?

Dreams materialize when you actively work toward them. Believe in yourself, stay open to learning, and seek guidance from others. This industry demands dedication, patience, focus, and discipline. Be alert, adaptable, and passionate about your craft. Go beyond classroom teachings and continuously challenge your creative ideas. Always strive for excellence and never settle.

Sustainability and Design

What kinds of materials and textures do you want to incorporate into your work?

I’m always open to exploration and inspired by the world’s evolving conditions. I’m particularly concerned about industrial waste and want my designs to contribute more than just aesthetics—they should have a meaningful impact.

Latin American Influence

What fashion trends in Latin America inspire you?

I’m inspired by the growing appreciation for artisan traditions and biodiversity. There is an awakening of consciousness regarding consumption, and the pandemic has deepened our appreciation for what we once overlooked.

Beyond trends, Latin America inspires me through its vibrant color palettes, warm and talented people, diverse ecosystems, rich ethnic heritage, and captivating sounds. In Colombia, our cultural and political diversity challenges us to think critically and creatively.

The Arts of Fashion Foundation Competition

Tell us about your experience in the competition.

It was an incredible journey.

My collection, Galleries of a Human Labyrinth, holds deep meaning for me. It taught me not to underestimate time, to appreciate my talents, and most importantly, to believe in myself. I participated in 2018 under the theme Transgression, thanks to my professor Santiago’s encouragement. Although my university had participated before, I had never considered entering.

When I submitted my portfolio, I already felt accomplished. I never expected to be one of the 50 finalists, let alone a winner. Since I couldn’t attend the final event, I followed updates from fellow contestants. A talented Mexican designer, Karina, became a close friend and was the one who told me I had won. It wasn’t until the next morning—when I received congratulatory messages from my professor and career director informing me I was going to India—that it truly sank in.

I cried tears of joy and excitement. To have my work recognized by industry icons was surreal. I even had a brief but meaningful Instagram conversation with Felipe Oliveira Baptista, one of the judges, which was an unforgettable moment.

From participating in the competition to completing my internship with Manish Arora and returning to Colombia, this experience has been the most significant period of my personal and professional growth. I deeply admire Nathalie Doucet and the entire Arts of Fashion Foundation team, YKK, and everyone who supports emerging talents. Their dedication to fostering a global creative network is truly inspiring.

I will always be grateful for this experience—it was a dream come true.

Looking Ahead

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself happy and fulfilled in whatever I’m doing. I dream of working with four specific brands and designers, learning from them, and further specializing in areas of design that excite me. I also aspire to explore new ways of storytelling through design and, perhaps, launch my own brand. Most importantly, I envision collaborating on meaningful projects with like-minded creatives.