Latest news with #mindfuldesign
Vogue
30-06-2025
- Business
- Vogue
Maria Cornejo Shifts Her Business Strategy
Maria Cornejo, winner of the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, poses with Laura Linney at the 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards. On Saturday, Zero Maria Cornejo made an announcement on Instagram: 'Starting with fall 2025, our focus will shift to the best-selling styles that have become beloved parts of our wardrobes, with an emphasis on producing mindfully with upcycled fabrics in our archives.' Mindful design—meaning sourcing responsibly made fabrics or using her own leftover inventory—has been at the heart of Cornejo's practice for years, but this is different. Cornejo and her business partner Marysia Woroniecka are adjusting the way they operate. Relying on existing patterns won't just eliminate the costs of product development, it will also free up Cornejo for other projects: She's been organizing her storage facility with an eye to donating pieces to museums in the US and Europe. Cornejo opened her first store in NoLIta in 1998 and her vision was clear from the beginning. A preference for geometric cuts that never fail to flatter the body helped her build an arty, avant garde clientele: artist Cindy Sherman, model Stella Tennant, actress Chloe Sevigny, jewelry designer Jill Platner. Ten years later, she moved into the boutique she occupies today on Bleecker Street, leading a revitalization of her block. In 2023 she won the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award from the CFDA. Independent designers have been hard hit by the economic downturn that began last year, and the situation has only been exacerbated by the US administration's tariff changes. But the Zero Maria Cornejo brand has a couple of factors going for it: Cornejo has always favored timelessness over trends, and the consistency of her vision has produced a loyal client base. Plus: she's been designing for 27 years, she has a lot of patterns at her fingertips. 'My goal was always to make clothes that were good heirlooms or good vintage, and not to be disposable,' she said over Zoom. 'Of course, I love fashion, but I do like the idea of things being sort of ageless and having longer than a season's worth of life. And I think the clients like that.' Indeed they seem to. In the comments section of her Instagram post, one customer wrote: 'I've worn your long Issa dress in a few different fabrics for as long as you've made it. Another cheered the decision. 'Here's to the classics! Here's to evolution!' Cornejo is all positivity on that Zoom call. 'I think it's a good model, because I think people are really overwhelmed. People are visually oversaturated.' There does seem to be a movement toward simplicity afoot. 'We're giving clients what they want,' said Cornejo. 'And we won't have to work as hard. It's also like a life decision, you know. We think it will liberate us to get organized and sort of see what, what other things we could do, what other opportunities there are.'
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
28-05-2025
- Business
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Veronica Kohlbecker and Sunoom: Transforming Wellness-Focused Luxury Living
Veronica Kohlbecker, founder of Sunoom, blends ancient wisdom with modern science to create healing homes that redefine luxury living through wellness, cultural depth, and mindful design Luxury living is evolving beyond aesthetics. Homeowners today seek spaces that enhance their physical and mental well-being. Veronica Kohlbecker, an entrepreneur, designer, and wellness advocate whose journey spans multiple industries and global influences, is the founder of Sunoom, where she merges ancient wisdom with modern science to create homes that heal, redefining what it means to live in harmony with one's environment. A Life Rooted in Design and Exploration Kohlbecker's childhood journey through seven countries ignited a profound understanding of diverse architectural aesthetics, cultural inspirations, and holistic well-being practices. Her education in design, martial arts, and healing modalities provided a solid foundation for her unconventional approach to creating luxurious living experiences. Before launching Sunoom, Kohlbecker built a career centered on travel, design, and high-end experiences. She founded The Escapist Montenegro, a luxury travel agency and the country's first water taxi business, introducing over 38,000 visitors to Montenegro's breathtaking landscapes. She also created The Anonymous, an elite concierge service and luxury villa management company catering to global travelers. Through these ventures, she gained a deep understanding of how space, culture, and mindfulness intersect to create meaningful experiences. The Vision Behind Sunoom Sunoom is the culmination of Kohlbecker's lifelong passion for design and wellness. Her approach to luxury property development goes beyond architecture—she integrates circadian rhythm alignment, sustainable materials, and holistic wellness principles into every project. Drawing from philosophies such as Feng Shui, Vastu, and Wabi-Sabi, her designs promote energy flow, create balance, and enhance overall well-being. 'We are not just building developments,' Kohlbecker explains. 'We are creating sanctuaries in special locations where people can reconnect with themselves—and their surroundings.' Her work with the Sunoom Collective of neuroscientists and endocrinologists ensures that Sunoom living supports natural body rhythms, incorporating elements such as UVB-enhanced glass, wellness-focused soundscaping, natural materials, and neuroscience-based layouts. This fusion of science and spirituality has positioned Sunoom as a leader in wellness-driven development. Humanitarian Impact and Social Advocacy Beyond her work in design, Kohlbecker is committed to humanitarian efforts. She has led projects supporting displaced families and individuals affected by crises, earning her the UN Action for Peace Award and the UN Humanitarian Aid Medal. Her philanthropic initiatives focus on both direct aid and long-term solutions for sustainable living. She believes in breaking barriers and inspiring open-mindedness. Kohlbecker has a platform—and she's intent on using it for social good. She supports communities in two major ways: by providing direct aid and advocating for human-centric living spaces. Shaping the Future of Luxury Wellness Living Looking ahead, Kohlbecker envisions a global expansion for Sunoom, bringing wellness-focused architecture to a larger audience. Her upcoming projects in Anguilla, Abu Dhabi, and Italy integrate mindful use of technology and energy-conscious design, ensuring that homes evolve with their residents' needs. With a mission to redefine luxury by making well-being the foundation of every home, Veronica Kohlbecker is shaping a future where design, science, and nature converge. Through Sunoom Living, she is pioneering a new era of living—one where homes are more than just spaces but sanctuaries for holistic health and harmony. Learn more about Veronica Kohlbecker's vision for luxury homes that heal.
