Zero + Maria Cornejo
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 3:43 PM 
Images via Style.com
There are certain qualities to Maria Cornejo's work -- easy but quite exact silhouettes, geometric references, a defined color palette (blue, black and usually something more acidic), and in the last few seasons, abstract prints (originating from photos taken on the designer's iPhone) -- that are distinctly her own. When a Zero + Maria Cornejo dress or jacket appears in the first lady's wardrobe, the strength and clarity of this design signature makes it easy to spot. All the more fascinating, is that within this tightly defined space, there's still sufficient room for Maria Cornejo to experiment and evolve from season to season. Her clothes add a different dimension and modernity to the first lady's wardrobe, and quite wonderfully fulfill that role.
There are several pieces from the Zero + Maria Cornejo Fall 2010 collection that would be a great addition to Mrs. O's closet. A few favorites are included above, and the full collection can be viewed on Style.com. The designer also gave an interview to Sabine Heller of the Huffington Post this week, which touches briefly on the first lady. An excerpt is included below; the full interview, here. Enjoy!
SH: Who do you design for?
MC: Strong, brainy women like Michelle Obama, Tilda Swinton and Sofia Coppola who wear my clothes in real life, and not just when they are getting photographed.
SH: When did the first lady start wearing Zero?
MC: I first saw Michelle Obama wearing Zero on The Daily Show with John Stewart in 2008. Her most notable appearance, however, was during G20 Summit in Pittsburgh.
SH: What is it about Obama that you admire?
MC: Her compassion, intelligence and the fact that she's an inspiration to so many. She has a lot of humility.
Zero + Maria Cornejo
Reader Comments (10)
I could definitely 'see' Mrs. Obama in the black dress, or the blue one.
Maria Cornejo says she designs for strong, brainy women like Mrs. O…….
Not only is she determined and beautiful, her effortless ability to glow and look absolutely gorgeous in clothes is unprecedented IMO.
Maria Cornejo’s black coat-dress with a frosty glow – Sarah Blomqvist. The entire ensemble (except the beret, I don’t believe I’ve every seen Mrs. O in a hat?), the black stockings,
purse, shoes, love this look. I feel would be great for traveling, meeting leaders and
ambassadors all over the world.
WHAT AN AMAZING CHOICE OF FASHION, thanks Mrs T. I’ve never looked at Style.com
before. Clicked on Donna Karan. Oh yea, get me dis ere dress. Ooo la la. OMG. I would
love to see my First Lady in thisssssssss. Check it out. Black evening gown, wide straps crisscrosses from bust, creates V-neck, I'm trying to picture the back. (Karlie Kloss),
also very attractive cut-in style across the chest – would show off her beautiful amrs and
shoulders. Have a wedding coming up in summer, so here's an idea.
zero+maria cornejo is the BEST. i think that the first lady should wear it ALL of the time. in my opinion, she always looks stunning when wearing her clothing.
I was at the show!!!! (as a volunteer), and it was great. Maria was also great and so gracious in person. Loved it!!!
@Layo G....WE ARE SO ENVIOUS OF YOU! I bet that was a good time and when people are appreciative and courteous that makes for an even better time. I love her clothes, even though I do not have the body type that would work on quite a few of them. I think our Michelle has chosen pieces that work quite well for her (which is not hard to do). This was a beautiful show.
@ Charlene.....I totally agree. Mrs. O opened me up to her when she first wore her stuff and I am that much more inclined to buy her stuff knowing she is such a nice person!
ps: I have seen her stuff on all types of body-type, and it looks great. Its great since she has a lot of drapey flowy things that drapes well on all body types.
@Layo G, that sounds like so much fun!!! Did you volunteer at any others? I would love to do that!
Hi Mrs. T, I also worked the Jeremy Laing show (Canadian Designer) and the Diego Binetti show, and was lucky enough to accompany my cousin to the Custo Barcelona show at the tents
It was so much fun, meeting the models, the designers and experiencing the big buzz of activity that goes on back stage. If you send me your best contact info, I can send you some great pictures I took from the show and of Maria!
@Layo G, you really should regale us with some detaills! You're holding onto the good stuff! Maybe, when you get a chance, you could start a thread in the chat room. We're a friendly, lovable bunch over there. I'm a relative newcomer to that that group, but I was welcomed with warm, open arms. You'll love it there!
Ooh!! LayoG, if you send to contact@mrs-o.org, they should come through to me. Would love to see!!