Giselle Manzano Ramirez
Colombian multidisciplinary designer, artist, and educator based in New York.
Exploring Creativity, Connection, and Transformation
Hi! I’m Giselle—Welcome!
I explore communication in all its forms, transforming ideas and emotions into visual narratives through graphic design, language, art, and fashion.
As the founder of KRATER, a non-profit cultural platform, I mentor and coach emerging designers and artists worldwide, guiding them in producing fashion shows for New York Fashion Week and developing their creative vision. I also teach textile design through my Domestika course, helping students expand their skills in experimental techniques and storytelling through fashion.
My passion lies in designing platforms for transformation, collaborating with visionary pioneers and radical creatives to harness the power of art and design for meaningful change.
Let’s connect and create something impactful together!
Textiles as a Canvas for Self-Expression
With a background in graphic design and fashion, I have found textile art to be a powerful medium for self-expression and transformation.
By infusing everyday objects with symbolic meaning, my collections bridge the existential and the spiritual, turning discarded materials into art with a story.
I incorporate experimental techniques such as rust dyeing, reverse dyeing, and deconstruction, merging fashion, sculpture, and storytelling. Beyond material exploration, my work integrates textile art with narrative expression, creating pieces that embody both personal and collective transformation.
Transforming Garments: My Masterclass in Textile Design
Join me on Domestika, the world’s leading design education platform, for my masterclass: Textile Design: Upcycling Clothes with Experimental Techniques.
This course takes you on a complete design journey—from graphic design fundamentals like color psychology, visual elements, and crafting meaningful narratives to applying these concepts in textile design through experimental printmaking and dyeing techniques. You’ll learn how to transform concepts into garments, create cohesive collections, and even build your own brand.
What Students Around the World Are Saying
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"I am really enjoying this course and though only half way through the exercises have already applied the skills learned to make embellished textiles I've used in projects. I'm delighted with the textiles that are being created. Giselle, the teacher is really thorough and explains every technique step by step at a pace thats easy to follow. Even though I'm very experienced textile artist I've learned new things that are going to be a great asset to add to my repertoire."
Student from Australia
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"Really loved the constructive views on colour psychology principles, the multiple resources and design tips. Highly recommended!"
Student from Italy
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"I love Giselle's designs, she is also very didactic and in this course she manages to merge many concepts that were very well applied to the course. In addition to addressing technical content, it invites you to unleash your imagination by connecting with emotional aspects linked to handling color, shapes, the composition of different designs in the same garment but which in turn has a very personal and original dialogue."
Student from Argentina
KRATER | A Non-Profit Platform for Creative Transformation
I founded KRATER as a non-profit organization to redefine the intersection of fashion design, performance art, and electronic music. Held during New York Fashion Week, KRATER provides a cost-free platform for emerging designers and artists, particularly those from underrepresented communities, to showcase their work in innovative ways.
Beyond the runway, KRATER is a mentorship and coaching space, where I guide artists, designers, and creatives in bringing their visions to life—whether through fashion shows, artistic projects, or creative endeavors. By fostering inclusivity, artistic transformation, and cultural change, KRATER is shaping the future of fashion and art.
Recognized by Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Paper Magazine, KRATER continues to push boundaries, proving that creativity can be a powerful force for empowerment and impact.
Gateless: A Journey of Healing and Discovery
As part of KRATER, I presented my collection Gateless, featuring a performance art piece that merges movement, sound, sculpture, and textile art.
Gateless II explores themes of forgiveness, healing, and self-discovery, inviting viewers into a transformative space of introspection and renewal.
Design as a Language for Connection
My creative journey began in graphic design, where I learned to translate ideas into powerful visuals.
This foundation naturally expanded into fashion, textile art, and performance, where I use design as a tool for emotional and visual communication. Whether crafting brand identities, illustrating concepts, or curating immersive experiences, my work is rooted in the belief that design is a universal language—bridging ideas, emotions, and human connection.
Explore my graphic design portfolio to see how I bring stories to life across industries including music, fashion, education, art, and activism.
