Zero + Maria Cornejo opened in 1998 as a purely retail concept when, prompted by a desire to re-connect with the core of her ideas about design, cutting and garment construction, Chilean-born designer Maria Cornejo transformed a raw space in New York’s Nolita into a very personal store and atelier named Zero.
The name was an expression of a pure vision: a number that neither adds nor subtracts; it is, rather, a point of departure. The garments are still founded on the original principles of taking the fundamental geometric shapes and transforming them into unexpectedly simple garments based on sophisticated cuts and angles using volume and circular shapes as a starting point. Garments are often draped and cut from one piece of fabric, use as few seams as possible to fit and flatter as many women as possible and utilize luxurious new fabrics and original prints.
Timelessness, ease, and a modern take on luxury are the essence of Zero + Maria Cornejo and the women who love the clothes. The collection has a loyal following and high praise from fashion insiders and clients such as Tilda Swinton, Christy Turlington Burns, Cindy Sherman and First Lady Michelle Obama.
Maria’s long-term business partner, Marysia Woroniecka, joined Maria in 2005, formally establishing a new partnership in January of 2006. In 2009, Zero + Maria Cornejo moved to the home of its new flagship store/showroom/atelier at 33 Bleecker Street, New York. Providing an environment that is warm, welcoming and emblematic of the Zero aesthetic, the retail store allows the company to truly connect and be inspired by its clients.
The collection is also available at more than 70 of the best stores worldwide, including Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Barneys Japan, Takashimaya and ByGeorge.