With the spate of recent weather, spring may seem eons away, but not for a clothing storeowner.

 

By Angela Guitard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the spate of recent weather, spring may seem eons away, but not for a clothing storeowner. While fall and winter are all the fashion in my shop window, I’ve already been shopping the spring collections. One that caught my eye was Zero, by Chilean-born fashion designer Maria Cornejo.

 

Cornejo began her career as a tailor and it shows — in the impeccable workmanship, her signature draping. For spring, her collection is a work of art, inspired by artist Giacomo Balla.

 

Recently, I had a chance to interview Maria Cornejo at a runway show. I was curious to know more about the woman who designs feminine, flowing women’s clothing and where she finds her inspiration.

 

“My inspirations are pretty internal. I draw from many years of looking at art, architecture, people, and traveling, and things that bring me joy,” said Cornejo. 

 

She describes her Zero collection “as an expression of a pure vision. Zero is a number that neither adds nor subtracts; it is, rather, a point of departure. The Zero ‘girl’ doesn’t follow trends. Even if she is older, she has a youthful spirit. She is curious, intellectual, doing interesting things.” Cornejo adds, “I always say, ‘If the dresses could talk, they would have very good stories to tell.’” 

 

Regardless of trends, Cornejo’s clothing resonates with women of all ages. Her customers run the gamut from art student to TV executive to Michelle Obama.

 

Keep your eyes peeled for celebrity fans like Cameron Diaz and Marisa Tomei, both of whom have worn Cornejo’s designs on the red carpet.