Julia Wollner is a name that people plugged into the fashion industry are bound to hear more of in the coming months and years. She is a recent graduate of Pratt Institute, who suffered from a terrifying experience in her second year as a fashion design student. Julia Wollner woke up one morning unable to move the muscles in half of her face and was later diagnosed with Bell’s palsy.
Instead of becoming a victim of the face paralyzing disorder, Julia Wollner channeled the obstacle into a stunning fashion collection, which won the Liz Claiborne Concept to Product Award at the Pratt Institute’s 2014 Fashion Show. Fast Co. Design writes, "The slightly space-age collection features abstract prints Wollner made from photos of her face taken before and after contracting the disorder."
Nerve Disorder-Inspired Fashion
Julia Wollner Turned a Negative Experience into Beautiful Clothing
Trend Themes
1. Disability-inspired Fashion - Opportunity to create a new fashion niche that caters to people with disabilities, showcasing their unique perspectives and experiences.
2. Utilizing Personal Trauma for Inspiration - Opportunity to use personal struggles and experiences as inspiration for innovative designs and solutions in various industries.
3. Abstract Prints From Personal Photos - Opportunity to use personal photos or stories to create unique and meaningful designs in various industries, not limited to fashion.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Fashion brands and designers can create disability-inclusive collections that showcase unique perspectives and experiences of people with different disabilities.
2. Art and Design - Artists and designers can use personal struggles and experiences to create meaningful and impactful works in various mediums, including but not limited to fashion.
3. Photography - Photographers can use personal photos and stories to create impactful images that tell a unique and personal story, potentially leading to disruption in the industry.