Quieesha Burns, renowned in the design world as Corii, stands as an American creative with a global presence, dividing her time between the vibrant landscapes of New York, USA, and the artistic allure of Paris, France. Her academic journey led her through esteemed institutions such as Cazenovia College and Syracuse University, where she obtained Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, before culminating in a Masters in Contemporary Fashion Design from IFA Paris.
Celebrated for her captivating deconstructed tailoring and visionary perspective on the future of sustainable fashion, Corii's work transcends conventional boundaries. Her design ethos champions inclusivity, as evidenced by her innovative approaches to low-waste direction, and utilization of deadstock fabrics and pre-loved garments, resulting in an ethical and avant-garde fashion narrative.
Corii's impact on the fashion landscape has garnered international recognition, notably with her recent achievement of dressing Grammy-awarded artist TYLA in her Corii Burns Sante Mentale Skirt for Billboard Magazine. Moreover, Corii's eponymous brand collaborated with NIKON USA, further solidifying her position as an influential figure in the industry.
Her creative endeavors extend to designing for prominent figures, including Kiana Lede for BET's 2024 Black + Iconic Soiree and Latin pop star Evenny for the Latin Music Awards. She has been featured in esteemed publications such as British Vogue, Galore Magazine, MYTH Magazine, New Wave - London, Mob Journal, Embrace, CNY, Syracuse Magazines, and FAULT Magazine. Presently, her bespoke and limited-edition creations are exclusively available online.
At the core of her brand, Corii Burns, lies a commitment to luxury deconstructed fashion, anchored in principles of diversity, socioeconomics, and sustainability as catalysts for social change. Corii's collections draw inspiration from and celebrate the rich diversity of the Black diaspora, embodying a relentless pursuit of equity and inclusion in the fashion realm.
One of her standout projects, the Mental Health Collection (MHII), serves as a poignant response to the mental health crisis, sparking crucial conversations within her community. Conceived in Paris, France, during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and the pinnacle of the Black Lives Matter movement, this collection explores the intersections of these global challenges within the community. MHII is more than fashion; it's a deliberate effort to destigmatize mental health, fostering open discourse and progressive approaches that lead to genuine healing. In acknowledgment of a damaged world, each garment in the collection is not only adjustable but also incorporates extra sustainable fabric, reflecting Corii's dedication to sustainability and adaptability in an ever-changing landscape.
Timeline
1991
Quieesha "CORi! " Burns was born in Syracuse, New York
2004
1st Sketches emerge 2005
Entered "Art Focus" Program at Henninger
2007
1st Wire, plaster, wood and clay sculptures of fashion garments emerge
2009
Graduates Henninger High& Syracuse University (Computer science program)
Entered Cazenovia College Business Management & Accounting Program
2011
Added Dual Major atCazenovia College(+Fashion Design)
2012
Holds 1st solo show:"HOPE's Garden" Fashion ShowDRESS A GIRL around the World $100 impact
2014
Graduates from Cazenovia College Showcase of The Glass Ceiling"(women rights in the work place)
Selected fashion designer at MODA International Fashion Show(Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital)
EMBRACE Magazine Release- featured designer showcase
CORi! BURNS enter's 1st retailer -Montclair NJ
Syracuse Fashion Week-Charitable Food Bank CNYSouth Walton Fashion Week Emerging Designer Competition finalist
2015
Bronx Fashion Show John Jay-House of Dolls Fashion showcase
Chevy Stage- NY State Fair Fashion showcase
2016
HIV Stops with me Fashion showcase
1st radio interview LIVE From the Box on 87.7FM WVOA Radio
2017
SBFW NYFW
Latin pop star Eveny on Latin Music Awards in 2 looks for CORi! BURNS
2019
Kelly Rowland shares Corii Burns handbag 👜 on her Instagram !
Enters ifa Paris University Contemporary Fashion Design Master's Program: Paris, FR & Florence Italy based
Rick Owens PERFORMA FW20- Palasis de Tokyo
OTTOLINGER 2020-Paris France
2020
Brand name changes from BODII BII CORII to CORi! BURNS
2022
9/22 Show MHi! Collection at NYFW
2024
TBA...
CORi! BURNS is an innovative made to measure haute couture brand offering limited edition products, that cultivates expression through social economics and artistry in a theatrical as well as progressive way for our community.