Rising Stars: Meet Corii Burns of NYC/USA & Paris/FR &LA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Corii Burns

Hi Corii, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey began in Upstate- Syracuse, New York, where I grew up in one of the poorest neighborhoods. From a young age, I developed a deep passion for art and fashion. Despite the financial challenges, I worked tirelessly to pursue my dreams, starting at age 11 by taking over my brother’s paper route to buy artistic supplies and help my family.

In high school, my artistic journey took a unique turn as I began designing dresses from unconventional materials such as clay, wire, plastic, and other 3D elements in my 3D art class. This innovative approach to fashion design allowed me to merge my love for art with my passion for creating wearable pieces, and it is a distinctive hallmark seen throughout my work today. Art was my main focus during high school, and my skills as a painter and sculptor are just as integral to my identity as a designer. This multidimensional artistry is evident in my collections, where each piece is not just clothing, but a work of art.

Also in high school, I attended Syracuse University in the evenings after my main school, studying Computer Science. This opportunity allowed me to be the first in my family and city to attend high school and university simultaneously(maybe even the state at the time), achieving a 4.0 GPA. My dedication to education and my craft paved the way for my future endeavors.

In 2009, after graduating high school and finishing my starter University courses, I started my journey in fashion design at Cazenovia College pursuing my Bachelor. At Cazenovia I had a dual major in Business Management with a specialization in Accounting and my second major was Fashion Design. I added Fashion Design as an additional major in my Sophomore year. This was the inception of my brand, which later solidified and rebranded in 2021 as Corii Burns. I pursued further education, earning a Masters in Contemporary Fashion Design from IFA Paris in Paris France.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement, I developed the Mental Health Collection (MHII) to destigmatize mental health and foster open dialogue. This collection was a turning point for Corii Burns, highlighting the importance of merging fashion with social issues.
*Socioeconomics are important to me as they deeply influence my work and drive my commitment to using fashion as a platform to address and raise awareness about social and economic disparities. Socioeconomics is deeply rooted in my brand’s DNA.

My experience spans various roles, including working with Rick Owens, White Mountaineering and Ottolinger during PFW and most recently becoming a fashion design Professor. These experiences have enriched my understanding of the industry and sharpened my skills.

Today, Corii Burns stands as a brand that champions sustainable and innovative design. We repurpose preloved materials and deadstock, incorporating hand-painting techniques to create unique pieces. Our mission is to raise awareness for mental health, focusing on communities in need, and to continue pushing the boundaries of fashion.

We are preparing for upcoming shows in NYC and LA, aiming to launch our new collections and engage with a broader audience. My goal is to inspire others through my story and designs, proving that with determination and passion, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has not been a smooth road; it has been filled with challenges and obstacles. Growing up in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Syracuse, New York, I faced significant financial difficulties. My family struggled to make ends meet, and I had to work from a young age, taking over my brother’s paper route at age 11 and later event catering. Despite these hardships, I was determined to pursue my passion for art and fashion, often using my earnings to buy artistic supplies and shoes/etc. for school. Balancing multiple responsibilities, including attending Syracuse University in the evenings during high school, while also working a job, required immense dedication and perseverance. Fast forward to 2019-The Covid-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement also presented unique challenges, but they fueled my determination to create meaningful, socially conscious work through the Mental Health Collection (MHII). Each struggle has shaped my journey, teaching me resilience and driving me to succeed against the odds.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work is a unique blend of fashion design, art, and social consciousness. As the founder and designer of Corii Burns, I specialize in creating sustainable, innovative pieces that merge art with fashion. My designs often incorporate deadstock materials, hand painting, and 3D elements, reflecting my background as a painter and sculptor. I am known for my Mental Health Collection (MHII), which aims to destigmatize mental health issues and promote open dialogue.

What sets me apart from others is my commitment to using fashion as a platform for social change. My journey has been filled with challenges, yet each one has fueled my determination to succeed and make a difference. I strive to address socio-economic disparities through my work and create pieces that resonate on a deeper level.

I am most proud of the way my designs combine aesthetics with meaningful messages. Whether it’s a garment made from deadstock or a piece that tells a powerful story, my work is about more than just fashion—it’s about creating art that inspires and uplifts. This commitment to art, sustainability, and social impact is what truly sets Corii Burns apart.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are several ways people can work with, collaborate with, or support Corii Burns and me. For collaborations, I am always open to partnering with like-minded individuals, brands, and organizations that share a commitment to sustainability, social impact, and innovative design. Whether it’s a collaborative collection, creating art installations, or working on community projects, I’m excited to explore creative synergies.

For those interested in supporting Corii Burns, you can visit our online store at www.coriiburns.com to purchase our unique, hand-crafted pieces. Every purchase helps support our mission to raise awareness for mental health and promote sustainable fashion practices.

Additionally, I am available for speaking engagements, workshops, and panel discussions, where I can share insights on fashion design, sustainability, and the intersection of art and social issues. You can also follow us on social media to stay updated on our latest collections, events, and initiatives. @coriiburns (on tiktok, instagram and facebook)

To get in touch for collaborations, partnerships, or support, please email us at [email protected]. I look forward to connecting and creating impactful work together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.coriiburns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coriiburns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coriiburns
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coriiburns
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@coriiburns