The Wisdom of Maria Cornejo

By Simi Kaur Baidwan

WHITE JUMPSUIT

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“I think the issue right now is there is too much of everything. There's too many designs, too many photographers, too many of everything. Whereas the pie before was divided between the really big companies and the new. But now it is so divided up because there is so much of everything.”

- Maria Cornejo

In the ever-evolving world of fashion, few voices resonate with the authentic vision and relentless dedication of Maria Cornejo. Born in Chile and shaped by a journey that led her to England as a political refugee, Cornejo’s career is a testament to resilience, creativity, and an independent spirit. Her innovative approach to design, marked by a dedication to upcycled materials, love for volume, and a unique geometric cutting style - Maria has carved out a distinctive space in the industry. As the founder of Zero + Maria Cornejo, she has championed "wearable luxury
for women," earning accolades such as the "Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt National Design Award" and most recently, the "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards. Beyond her design prowess, Maria is a vocal advocate for sustainability and a mentor for women in business, holding esteemed positions on the CFDA Board of Directors and the board of Women.ny.

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In this exclusive interview with AMAZING TV, Maria Cornejo shares insights into her unconventional path, her philosophy on design and consumption, and her
unyielding belief in authenticity over fleeting trends. She candidly addresses the industry's pervasive "sell sell sell" mentality, especially the American system which
forces students and designers to prioritize financial viability. Cornejo shares, "Yes, because American schools are so expensive so they have to be this way. A lot of students have debt, so they have to come up with that mindset. Whereas, when I went to Art School, you would get in if your portfolio was up to it. It wasn't about whether you could pay for it or not." She also laments the current state of an oversaturated market, observing, "I think the issue right now is there is too much of everything. There's too many designs, too many photographers, too many of everything." This glut of products, she argues, fundamentally alters the landscape: "Whereas the pie before was divided between the really big companies and the new. But now it is so divided up because there is so much of everything."

Cornejo also challenges the relentless pursuit of "newness" in fashion, acknowledging that while "nobody buys a new wardrobe every season, but they do want newness in the wardrobe." Ultimately, she critiques the fleeting nature of industry fame, noting that, "Fashion needs newness in order for it to justify itself to exist." She sees a constant cycle where designers are brought in, "overexpose them and then they're out," purely to "create noise" and provide "the press something to write about." For Cornejo, the idea of designers becoming "guns for hire" merely serves this cyclical demand for novelty. She also expresses a strong disdain for "bandwagons" and "trends," particularly in the realm of sustainability, where she observes a concerning amount of "greenwashing especially big companies." Her own approach to sustainability is rooted in consistent effort: "I always say that we are 100% but we try our best every season and that's what we do."

Thank you to the team of Maria Cornejo

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She believes that the true luxury in today's overexposed world is "privacy," and her ethos centers on working within a "creative community" rather than chasing individual fame. "It's really boring when it's the same thing over and over again," she states, emphasizing her preference to "be part of a creative community than be there on my own." Maria Cornejo's perspective offers a refreshing antidote to the often-fickle nature of the fashion world. Her commitment to thoughtful design, ethical practices, and the empowerment of women stands as a powerful example. As she continues to shape her own narrative, one authentic garment at a time, her insights serve as a valuable guide for aspiring designers and industry veterans alike. The full interview is available now on AMAZING TV YouTube Channel.

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PHOTOGRAPHER billy JIM

STYLIST lizzy ROSENBERG

GLOBAL BEAUTY DIRECTOR | MUA/H regina HARRIS

VIDEO DIRECTOR anja MATTHES

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