Maria Cornejo is the founder and creative director of Zero + Maria Cornejo. The Chilean designer creates wearable luxury for women, with designs emphasising freedom and simplicity. Cornejo has worked as a creative consultant across brands like Joseph, Tehan, and Jigsaw. In 1998, soon after moving to New York, she established Zero + Maria Cornejo, where she began making garments from upcycled materials. Cornejo most recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards. She is a founding member of the CDFA’s Sustainability Committee, and was appointed to the CDFA Board of Directors in 2019. She also sits on the board at Women.ny, a programme dedicated to supporting and empowering the women of New York City.
VITAL STATISTICS
BoF VOICES 2025: Finding Connection in Turbulent Times
In the first session of BoF’s 10th annual VOICES gathering, speakers including actor and activist Riz Ahmed and designer Clare Waight Keller looked at the challenges facing the world today and the power we have to address them.
BoF VOICES 2025: Finding Connection in Turbulent Times
In the first session of BoF’s 10th annual VOICES gathering, speakers including actor and activist Riz Ahmed and designer Clare Waight Keller looked at the challenges facing the world today and the power we have to address them.
Clare Waight Keller and Maria Cornejo: What Happens When Women Lead
You can view the BoF VOICES 2025 on-demand video below.
Clare Waight Keller and Maria Cornejo: What Happens When Women Lead
You can view the BoF VOICES 2025 on-demand video below.
The Verdict on New York Fashion Week
The sparse schedule was crushing, as was the lack of new ideas. But if America’s premier fashion showcase has indeed hit bottom, there’s nothing to do but evolve and nowhere to go but up.
The Verdict on New York Fashion Week
The sparse schedule was crushing, as was the lack of new ideas. But if America’s premier fashion showcase has indeed hit bottom, there’s nothing to do but evolve and nowhere to go but up.
Start-Up School | Chapter 4: Identify Your Target Customer
Founders must have a clear vision of their target customer, backed by a mix of intuition and data. Understanding who will buy a product forms the basis of nearly every business decision, from marketing strategy and pricing, to whether and where to open stores.
Start-Up School | Chapter 4: Identify Your Target Customer
Founders must have a clear vision of their target customer, backed by a mix of intuition and data. Understanding who will buy a product forms the basis of nearly every business decision, from marketing strategy and pricing, to whether and where to open stores.
Maria Cornejo: 'Know Who You Are'
The hyper-focused designer of Zero + Maria Cornejo reflects on 20 years of a brand built on point of view and word of mouth.
Maria Cornejo: 'Know Who You Are'
The hyper-focused designer of Zero + Maria Cornejo reflects on 20 years of a brand built on point of view and word of mouth.
Womanliness as Resistance at Zero Maria Cornejo
“Kill them with beauty,” Cornejo quipped backstage. “You don’t have to look like a man to be strong.”
Womanliness as Resistance at Zero Maria Cornejo
“Kill them with beauty,” Cornejo quipped backstage. “You don’t have to look like a man to be strong.”
At NYFW, Different Faces of Female Empowerment
The resurgence of feminist spirit in society — the so-called 'fourth wave' — was evident at DVF, Karen Walker and Zero Maria Cornejo.
At NYFW, Different Faces of Female Empowerment
The resurgence of feminist spirit in society — the so-called 'fourth wave' — was evident at DVF, Karen Walker and Zero Maria Cornejo.
What "Zero" Means to Maria Cornejo
Maria Cornejo's Spring collection frees her for a fresh start.
What "Zero" Means to Maria Cornejo
Maria Cornejo's Spring collection frees her for a fresh start.