Luxury and sustainability have not always gone hand in hand when it comes to fashion. However, Zero + Maria Cornejo, a New York City-based luxury fashion brand is changing that.
Chilean-born Maria Cornejo, the founder of Zero + Maria Cornejo who is also a founding member of the CFDA Sustainability Committee, has spent her entire career perfecting the art of sustainable fashion.
It’s fair to say she has succeeded, given that her designs have been worn by the likes of Christy Turlington, Michelle Obama, Sarah Jessica Parker, Tilda Swinton, and Marisa Tomei.
Not only does Zero + Maria Cornejo produce pieces that are chic and sophisticated, they are also environmentally-friendly. The American brand, which is based in Manhattan’s trendy NoHo neighbourhood, operates with three principles in mind: designed by women for women, locally produced, and responsible design.
First, at the heart of Zero + Maria Cornejo’s mission is to design pieces that make women feel good about themselves. Not only do they believe in the power of a great outfit, but they believe that if women love a certain piece of clothing, it will last beyond a single season, which simultaneously feeds their sustainability mission.
Second, the brand is dedicated to producing pieces at home as much as possible in order to support the local economy. Currently, 84 percent of Zero + Maria Cornejo’s products are locally manufactured in its NoHo atelier, in the heart of New York City’s garment district. The exception to this is a few categories of items like shoes and knitwear which are instead made at small, independently owned factories in Italy, Bolivia, Peru, and China.
Finally, Zero + Maria Cornejo is committed to the responsible design of each and every one of its pieces. “We aim to design and manufacture in the most purposeful and beautiful way and to create a product that is uncompromising in its respect for quality and value. Dedicated to fostering a company ethos that is just as committed to its social impact as its environmental, we use ecological and sustainable fabrics wherever possible. And as a company owned and run by women, the team continuously looks to develop special collaborations with women artisans around the world,” reads the brand’s website. More specifically, Zero + Maria Cornejo is proud of its use of upcycled fabric, which includes everything from car seat leather to recycled cashmere.
Interested in seeing what luxury, sustainable fashion looks like for yourself? Zero + Maria Cornejo’s items are all available for purchase online. The brand is known for its fluid, draped garments and clean lines, and their latest collection is no exception. From silk cowl neck dresses to oversized tunics and streamlined jumpsuits, Zero + Maria Cornejo is perfect for the modern, eco-conscious woman.
Down below are some of the best from Zero + Maria Cornejo’s Responsible Design and Eco Demin collections.
