Meet Quieesha “corii” Burns | Fashion Designer, CEO, Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Quieesha “corii” Burns and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Quieesha “Corii”, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I had to make thus far for my brand was changing the brand’s name from BODIIBIICORII to Corii Burns. It was a deeply personal and emotional choice because BODIIBIICORII represented a significant part of my journey and creative identity. The name held meaning and nostalgia, as it was tied to my early vision for the brand. However, I realized that transitioning to Corii Burns would make the brand more aligned with my name and personal story, creating a stronger and more personal connection with my audience. It was hard to let go of something that symbolized my beginnings, but I knew this change was necessary to position the brand for growth, clarity, and a broader reach while staying authentic to who I am.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is deeply personal, yet universally resonant. It centers on creating innovative and avant-garde designs that challenge traditional norms while telling meaningful stories. What sets me apart is my focus on merging fashion with social issues, particularly mental health awareness. I use repurposed and preloved materials to craft pieces that are not just sustainable but also infused with history and intention. My work is about more than aesthetics—it’s about sparking dialogue, evoking emotions, and empowering those who interact with my creations.

One of the moments I am most proud of is the launch of the Mental Health Collection (MHII) during the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement. This collection not only reflected the struggles we were collectively facing but also encouraged open discussions about mental health in underrepresented communities. Seeing how it resonated with people validated my belief that fashion can be a vehicle for change.

Getting to where I am today has been far from easy. I grew up in a challenging environment with limited resources, and everything I’ve built stems from relentless determination and creativity. I started working at the age of 11, balancing a paper route and using my earnings to support my family and fuel my passion for art. Over the years, I faced obstacles ranging from financial constraints to self-doubt, but I overcame them by staying true to my vision and surrounding myself with loved ones who believed in me.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of perseverance and adaptability. There will always be moments of uncertainty and setbacks, but those moments are opportunities to grow. I’ve also learned the value of authenticity—when your work reflects who you truly are, it resonates more deeply with others.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand, Corii Burns, is that we are more than just fashion. We are about storytelling, sustainability, and creating designs that inspire and empower. My brand represents hope, resilience, and the idea that no matter where you start, you can create something extraordinary. Through my journey, I hope to inspire others to embrace their unique path and to always dream bigger.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A Week of Fun for My Best Friend: Paris, NYC, and LA Itineraries
Whether in Paris, NYC, or LA, here’s how I’d create an unforgettable week-long experience. Each city has its unique charm, so the itineraries will reflect their vibe—romantic and artistic for Paris, bustling and energetic for NYC, and laid-back and glamorous for LA.

Paris, France: Romance and Elegance
Day 1: Iconic Paris
Breakfast: Café de Flore for croissants and café crème.
Morning: Explore the Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars.
Lunch: Dine at Le Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower.
Afternoon: Walk along the Seine River to Notre Dame and visit Île Saint-Louis.
Evening: Dinner cruise on the Seine to see the city lights.
Day 2: Art and History
Morning: Spend the morning at the Louvre Museum.
Lunch: Eat at Angelina for their famous hot chocolate and pastries.
Afternoon: Visit Musée d’Orsay and walk through the Tuileries Garden.
Evening: Dinner in Le Marais followed by drinks at a hidden speakeasy.
Day 3: Montmartre Magic
Breakfast: Have coffee and pastries at a local Montmartre café.
Day: Explore Sacré-Cœur, Place du Tertre, and Montmartre’s art scene.
Lunch: Enjoy crepes at La Crêperie de Josselin.
Evening: Dinner at Le Consulat, a historic Montmartre bistro, then catch a cabaret at Moulin Rouge.
Day 4: Day Trip to Versailles
Morning: Train to Versailles to tour the palace and gardens.
Lunch: Picnic in the gardens with local baguettes, cheese, and wine.
Evening: Return to Paris for dinner at L’Avenue.
Day 5: Shopping and Fashion
Morning: Explore Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.
Lunch: Stop at Le Bon Marché’s food hall for gourmet bites.
Afternoon: Stroll Avenue Montaigne and boutique shop in Le Marais.
Evening: Dinner at Chez L’Ami Jean for classic French cuisine.
Day 6: Local Charm
Morning: Walk through Canal Saint-Martin for a relaxed, local vibe.
Lunch: Casual dining at Holybelly.
Afternoon: Relax at Luxembourg Gardens.
Evening: Farewell dinner at Le Train Bleu in Gare de Lyon.
Day 7: Farewell to Paris
Morning: Coffee and croissants near Place des Vosges.
Afternoon: Last-minute shopping in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
New York City, USA: Energy and Culture
Day 1: Manhattan Classics
Breakfast: Balthazar for a quintessential NYC start.
Morning: Visit Central Park and The Met Museum.
Lunch: Italian at Serafina.
Afternoon: Walk down Fifth Avenue.
Evening: Broadway show (Hamilton) and cocktails at The Campbell.
Day 2: Brooklyn Exploration
Breakfast: Buttermilk Channel.
Morning: Stroll through Dumbo and the Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Lunch: Pizza at Grimaldi’s.
Afternoon: Explore Brooklyn Museum.
Evening: Drinks at Westlight with skyline views.
Day 3: Day Trip to The Hamptons
Morning: Drive to Montauk for beach time.
Lunch: Seafood at The Surf Lodge.
Evening: Return to NYC and unwind.
Day 4: Downtown Adventures
Breakfast: Sadelle’s.
Morning: Explore SoHo and Little Italy.
Lunch: Dine at Carbone.
Afternoon: Visit the 9/11 Memorial.
Evening: Rooftop dinner at RH Rooftop Restaurant.
Day 5: Harlem & Uptown
Morning: Amy Ruth’s for soul food.
Day: Visit the Studio Museum and walk Strivers’ Row.
Lunch: Caribbean-inspired Miss Lily’s.
Evening: Jazz dinner at Minton’s Playhouse.
Day 6: Art and Culture
Morning: Tour MoMA.
Afternoon: High Line walk and Whitney Museum.
Evening: End with dinner at Chelsea Market.
Day 7: Farewell NYC
Morning: Brunch at The Smith.
Afternoon: Last-minute shopping in Union Square.
Los Angeles, USA: Glamour and Sunshine
Day 1: Hollywood & Views
Breakfast: Joan’s on Third.
Morning: Visit Hollywood Walk of Fame and Griffith Observatory.
Lunch: Catch LA.
Afternoon: Tour The Getty Center.
Evening: Dinner at Tao LA.
Day 2: Beach Life
Morning: Breakfast at The Rose Venice.
Day: Relax at Santa Monica Beach and the Venice Canals.
Lunch: Gjelina.
Evening: Sunset drinks at Nobu Malibu.
Day 3: Downtown LA
Morning: Brunch at Grand Central Market.
Day: Visit The Broad Museum and Little Tokyo.
Evening: Dinner and cocktails at Perch Rooftop.
Day 4: Beverly Hills Glamour
Morning: Coffee at Alfred’s Coffee.
Day: Shop on Rodeo Drive.
Lunch: Spago Beverly Hills.
Evening: Catch a live show at Hollywood Bowl.
Day 5: Nature Escape
Day Trip: Explore Joshua Tree National Park or Laguna Beach.
Day 6: Artsy LA
Morning: Breakfast at Blu Jam Café.
Day: Visit LACMA and Melrose Trading Post.
Evening: Dinner at Gracias Madre and drinks at E.P. & L.P. rooftop.
Day 7: Relax and Reflect
Morning: Brunch at Republique.
Afternoon: Stroll through Runyon Canyon.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It’s truly challenging to single out just one person because so many incredible individuals have played a pivotal role in my journey. Their support, mentorship, and encouragement have left lasting impressions that I will always cherish. However, there are a few people I would like to recognize specifically.

First, my high school art teacher, Jeanette Capria-Lazzaro, who encouraged me to explore sculpture on my own terms and opened my eyes to fashion as a creative path. Her guidance laid the foundation for my artistic expression and shaped the way I view design.

Next, I want to express my gratitude to my undergraduate professor, Megan Lawson Clark, who embraced and supported my out-of-the-box ideas during the formative years of my design education. Her encouragement helped me find confidence in my unique vision.

Lastly, I must give a heartfelt shoutout to my amazing brother and my mother. My brother has always been my model for work ethic—showing me the value of perseverance and excellence. Alongside him, my mother instilled in me the importance of hard work and the quality of effort I put into everything I do. Their lessons continue to inspire me to strive for greatness in all areas of my life.

Each of these individuals has profoundly impacted my path, and I am forever grateful for their influence and encouragement.

Website: https://www.coriiburns.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coriiburns/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corii-burns

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coriiburns

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coriiburns

Image Credits
Image Credit: Studio “Preconception Collection Images:
Shot by: @rodriguezxavier
Hair and Makeup: @ma_beautynyc
Models: @nauti.d @trapstarisaaa @nashiimarie
Dresser: @dorinagrossano

Image Credit Runway Images:
Model: @vonijuan @TME

Image Credits of Coi Leary:
@coileray 🧊 in Sante Mentale top
styled by @justusteele @thehergroup
@listentoky on the assist
shot by @bychrismartin
bts & photography @edgarmartin__
mua @nikko.anthony

Image Credits: Emei
@its.emei in MHII skirt 🐇 #rabbithole

Styled by: @mariposabih @thehergroup