Sofia Saballos

My name is Sofía, I’m originally from Costa Rica, and I moved to Barcelona four years ago to pursue my degree in Fashion Design at IED Barcelona. Leaving my home at 18 wasn’t an easy decision, but I’ve always believed that in order to create meaningfully, you must educate yourself, travel, and step far outside of your comfort zone. Coming from a country where the creative industries—especially fashion—are still underdeveloped, I carry a sense of responsibility to contribute to their growth, and to represent a Latin American perspective in global fashion. My final collection explores the complex, often disturbing relationship between femininity and insanity—a juxtaposition that is both personal and conceptual. It combines traditionally feminine elements like lace, soft pinks, and flowy silhouettes with tougher, darker materials like leather, metal, and deep tones. It’s about contradictions—about how opposites not only coexist, but define one another. This idea of duality has always inspired me, especially when connected to deeper cultural themes like gender roles, ethnic identity, and emotional perception. Throughout my time in Barcelona, I’ve had the opportunity to work with local fashion brands and participate in fashion shows and collaborations, gaining hands-on experience within the industry. Looking forward, I see fashion as a broad, limitless field. I hope to explore its many facets—from creative direction to styling, design, and beyond. I am endlessly curious, always eager to learn, and committed to using fashion as a platform for storytelling, identity, and cultural reflection.