Some vocations are always there, waiting for the right moment to become a profession. For Isabella Gallego Fernández, design has been the common thread running through a career shaped by creativity, aesthetic sensitivity and entrepreneurship. After her time at Vogue Mexico and Latin America, the launch of several brands and years of experience in creative direction and textile design, she decided to return to Madrid to deepen a passion that had always accompanied her: interior design.
It was then that she enrolled in the AD Diploma in Interior Styling, an experience that broadened her professional perspective and helped her identify and define a skill she had been developing intuitively for years. Today, she leads Casa L&F Interiors Market, a project that brings together every chapter of her professional journey and reflects a highly personal approach to design, aesthetics and living spaces.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background
I studied Communications with a focus on organisational communication, but from a very young age I knew that design would be part of my path. After graduating, I fulfilled one of my greatest dreams by completing an internship at Vogue Mexico and Latin America in 2018, after attending the Vogue Summer School in Madrid.
That experience allowed me to witness the pace of the editorial industry firsthand and contribute to a publication of the magazine. When I returned to Bogotá, I joined Loborosa, where I deepened my understanding of creative processes, textile design and collection development.
Later, I co-founded 5 Conejos, a table styling and textile design brand, where I led the creative direction for five years. I also co-founded Amarelle Swimwear & Resortwear, developing six swimwear and resortwear collections.
After that project came to an end, I decided to return to Madrid to specialise in one of my greatest passions: interior design. That was when I enrolled in the AD Diploma in Interior Styling, an experience that ultimately defined the direction of my career.
Which Diploma did you complete?
I completed the AD Diploma in Interior Styling.
How did you discover the program?
My relationship with Vogue College began in 2017, when I attended the Four Weeks in Vogue course in Madrid. So, when I decided to close my swimwear brand and reconnect with my interest in interior design, I already knew where I wanted to study.
I researched the Interior Styling programme and immediately fell in love with the course content. I applied almost straight away, and being accepted was another dream come true. Having already experienced the facilities and academic environment, I arrived feeling both confident and excited about this new chapter.
Why did you decide to study this diploma?
I wanted to expand my knowledge of interior design, and Vogue College, together with the expertise of AD, felt like the ideal place to do so. Madrid’s outstanding interior design scene also made the experience even more valuable.
The programme completely broadened my professional outlook. It introduced me to the many different paths available within interior styling and gave a name to a skill that had always been part of who I was. There was not a single module I did not enjoy. It remains one of the most enriching educational experiences of my life.
During the program, is there any project you would highlight? Tell us more about it.
Today, my professional focus is Casa L&F Interiors Market, a project that brings together my entire creative and professional journey. Through this brand, I offer interior styling consultancy, decorative object curation, bespoke furniture design and specialised content creation.
I have spent the past year building it, and it feels like a natural extension of my story. The AD Diploma in Interior Styling was the starting point for this project: it expanded my professional perspective and helped me recognise and develop a capability that had always been part of me. I continue to learn, explore and seek inspiration in order to create increasingly refined proposals for my clients and community.
What was your experience during the course like?
My experience was extraordinary. It was filled with learning, inspiration, teamwork and memorable moments.
Beyond the knowledge I gained, I also found a group of classmates with whom I built lasting relationships. The networking opportunities created through the programme are among the aspects I value most and will undoubtedly remain important throughout my professional career.
Which professor or session stood out to you? Why?
I learned a great deal from Patricia Bustos and through the project developed during the programme. Toni Torrecillas further deepened my interest in the history of interior design, while the Home Staging masterclass was particularly inspiring.
I also have very fond memories of the furniture, textiles and art direction classes taught by Fernando Vallespín, which significantly enriched my professional perspective. Even today, I still refer back to my notes because they continue to spark ideas for both my work and content creation.
If you had to choose three must-attend sessions from the programme, which would they be?
I would choose the sessions led by Pete Bermejo, Toni Torrecillas and Patricia Bustos. Together, they perfectly represent the essence of the programme, combining historical knowledge, creative vision and professional expertise.
The visits to renowned studios and spaces such as those of María Santos, Lorenzo Castillo and Studio Bañón were also unforgettable. These experiences showed me that interior design is a discipline rich in stories, craftsmanship and sensitivity.
I particularly connected with Pete Bermejo because of his approach to art direction. His talent and experience were a constant source of inspiration. Patricia Bustos, meanwhile, gave us an invaluable insight into her working methodology and offered a close-up view of the realities of the profession.
What did you enjoy most, or what do you remember most fondly?
If I had to choose one particularly meaningful memory, it would be the Styling module with Pete Bermejo. I connected deeply with his way of understanding the profession and especially enjoyed creating still-life compositions and visiting antique dealers across Madrid.
Experiencing his creative perspective firsthand was truly fascinating. He is an exceptional art director and someone I greatly admire.
What do you think is the most important thing you learned that has helped you in your current work?
The most important lesson I learned was that the programme gave a name to a skill I possessed but did not know how to explain, professionalise or turn into a business opportunity.
My brand emerged as a direct result of everything I learned during the AD Diploma in Interior Styling. Every module contributed an essential building block to the creation of Casa L&F Interiors Market. I came to understand that styling is the final layer that gives a space its identity—where colour, textiles, art, accessories and composition all come together. Understanding each of these disciplines transformed the way I work and create.
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What would you say to someone who is considering studying this diploma?
I started the programme with many doubts, as I felt I was starting over at the age of 32. However, the experience gave me a deep understanding of the world of interior design and the certainty that I was on the right path.
It gave me clarity, direction and professional purpose. It also introduced me to a side of Madrid’s design community that I probably would never have discovered on my own. If Vogue College were to launch another programme related to interior design, I would be the first to apply.
Turn Your Creative Vision into a Profession
The AD Diploma in Interior Styling provides the tools, knowledge and references needed to develop a professional understanding of spaces, styling and art direction. Learn from industry experts, discover new career opportunities and build projects with a distinctive point of view.
