Friday links + Q&A

We're talking to designer Maria Cornejo, and in the links, we've got John Waters, British spy shows, and more

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Anyone who’s been reading GOACA for a while knows how I feel about Maria Cornejo: she is easily my favorite designer, and her clothes are the ones I reach for most often when I want to look good and feel confident (in fact, I got married in one of her dresses). This year, she’s celebrating 25 years of Zero+Maria Cornejo, and she was just honored by the CFDA with a lifetime achievement award. That she has managed these things while remaining independent is a minor miracle, and I’m thrilled she’s speaking to us today.

Kim: Congratulations on your CFDA award! What was your reaction upon learning you would be honored? 

Maria: I was touched, and it was extremely unexpected. I got an early morning call from Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA, and it was on the exact date I opened my Mott Street store 25 years ago. I was very emotional. My son is 25, and my company is also 25. 

You have always stayed independent, which is really, really tough to do in your industry. What’s been the best part of that?

With everything I do, it all goes back to my two families—literal and work. I’ve always wanted to do something good, and to get the CFDA award means a lot to myself, the company and the team because we worked so hard. I want my kids to be proud of me more than anything.