ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Guillermo Jop, Head Designer for GUiSHEM's unique background in seamless body-shapers technology has allowed him to incorporate his signature geometric pattern-cutting techniques and razor-sharp silhouettes into his ready-to-wear, cocktail and eveningwear designs. He creates graphic panels that contour the figure with an ultramodern feel, hinting at a futuristic and almost super-hero motif. His pieces, meant for fashion-forward women, give a feeling of playful empowerment. GUiSHEM dresses have become a stylist’s favorite for red carpet events and parties. Celebrities such as Kristen Stewart, Kelly Osbourne, Brittany Snow and Ashley Benson have repeatedly worn GUiSHEM.
Jop was born into the fashion industry. He first got involved in textile and seamless design at an early age, in his native Guatemala, where his family owns and operates a successful textile manufacturing business. Jop was always fascinated by fashion, and in order to support his family's business, he left his roots in Latin America at the age of 17 and moved to the US to attend North Carolina State University, where he received a BSC in Textile and Apparel Management. It was at that time when he realized that that his knowledge of the textile industry would play an important role and serve as an advantage in his later career as a designer.
After graduating, in order to evolve his fashion education, Jop moved to Europe, where he obtained a BA in Fashion Design from Polimoda in Florence, Italy. His graduation collection presentation “Dirty Clowns”, inspired by Cirque du Soleil, earned Jop a standing ovation and great recognition from colleagues and faculty at Polimoda. At the same time, Guillermo entered a nation-wide contest for La Perla Group, and was selected to develop a capsule for their Fall Winter 2004 collection, which later was sold in all of their stores.
During his studies Jop also acquired a keen interest in architecture, and for understanding how to create unique forms and structures. He therefore decided to continue his studies with a Post-Graduate Certificate in Innovative Pattern Making from the prestigious Central Saint Martin’s School of Arts in London, England. While there, Guillermo mastered specific techniques from pattern cutters from houses such as Alexander McQueen and Pearce & Fionda.
Jop then left for New York City, seeking to continue enhancing his experience in the fashion business. During his time in New York, Jop worked at Zac Posen, where he got involved in textile design. Leveraging his experience in seamless technology, Guillermo was tasked to work in the Zac Posen for Wolford Project. Having proved his design abilities, he was later assigned to work in bridal and eveningwear.
Once Jop had experienced what it was like to work in a studio, he decided to push forward and expand his knowledge of other areas of the industry. He began at Donna Karan Collection, in the Fabric Development and Creative Direction Department, as a design assistant.
In 2005, with significant experience under his belt, Jop decided to venture on his own, creating his label GUiSHEM. In 2007 he became Nylontex International’s Head Designer, designing and launching Julie France Body Shapers into the US market, and later into the global market.
In 2008 Jop expanded to create his first ready-to-wear, cocktail and evening-wear collection for the Fall Winter 2009 season. Launching GUiSHEM in the US market, Guillermo hired a staff in NY to start developing the brand. He showed his Fall Winter 2011 and Spring Summer 2012 collections at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in NYC.
Throughout his successful career Guillermo gained recognition and numerous awards including: La Perla in 2004; Mercedes-Benz and Vogue Regional Latin American Fashion Award in 2005; and in Centro America Moda as the best Young Central American Designer in 2007. He was also featured in Guatemala's top 10 people consecutively in both 2007 and 2008. In 2018, Jop was selected as the Top 10 Pitch to LAFS designers.
In 2015 GUiSHEM expands the brand, and announces the launch of its nail lacquer collection, in order to enter into the beauty market. The first collection consisted of 15 high-gloss premium colors and a base & top coat inspired by current trends, as well as signature colors repeated in different seasons of the GUiSHEM brand ready-to-wear collections. Jop is the first Latin American Designer venturing into the Beauty World.
GUiSHEM collections are available at luxury retailers and online globally.
For more information about our Brand or Designer please contact our PR Department at: press@guishem.com