Quieesha “Corii” Burns is an American designer with a global presence, dividing her time between New York and Paris, France. She holds dual degrees from Cazenovia College and Syracuse University, and a Master’s in Contemporary Fashion Design from IFA Paris.
Known for contemporary deconstructed tailoring and a forward-thinking approach to sustainable fashion, Corii transforms deadstock and pre-loved materials into bold, sculptural pieces. Her work champions inclusivity, adaptability, and social impact, while celebrating and drawing inspiration from the Black diaspora, using fashion as a platform for equity and representation.
This season, Corii has dressed WNBA star Rickea Jackson in over six custom looks, featured in ESSENCE Magazine, Forbes Magazine and more. She designed for Deepica Mutyala at the 2025 Met Gala afterparty, Jenevieve in the MHII Collection for BET 2025, Lily Singh for her Doinit film screening, and Regan Aliyah for Emmys weekend, with Ryryasher wearing a top from the MHII collection. Her creations have also appeared on Grammy-winning artist TYLA for Billboard Magazine, Kiana Ledé for BET 2024, and Latin pop star Evenny, and have been featured in British Vogue, Galore, MYTH, New Wave London, Mob Journal, Embrace, CNY, Syracuse Magazines, FAULT Magazine, and DSRPT Magazine, and more.
At the heart of her work is the Mental Health Collection (MHII), conceived in Paris during the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement, designed to spark dialogue on mental well-being while embracing sustainability and adaptability. Each garment includes extra sustainable fabric and adjustable elements, reflecting resilience in an ever-changing world. The collection also serves as a platform for community engagement and awareness around mental health.
Furthering her commitment to social responsibility, Corii launched the Bag-for-a-Bag Initiative, a program dedicated to sustainable production and meaningful community impact. For every contemporary handbag sold, Corii donates a fully stocked backpack to a child in need, ensuring that each creation not only embodies purpose and craftsmanship but also gives back in a tangible way.
Today, Corii Burns offers bespoke and limited-edition creations online, continuing to merge contemporary design, sculptural fashion, and the spirit of the Black diaspora into every collection.
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
2025
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.