Maria Cornejo

Founder and Creative Director,
Zero + Maria Cornejo

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.