It's a steamy 89 degrees in New York City today—and we couldn't be more thrilled to say "good-bye, tights!" To kick off the warmer weather, we're talking to some of our favorite designers about their summer must-haves. First on deck is Maria Cornejo, who, it turns out, added swimwear to her Zero + Maria Cornejo line this year.What's your favorite thing about summertime in New York?
I love riding my bike to ride to Red Hook, Brooklyn to watch the sunset. And tacos and margaritas at 5 Burro in Queens always remind me of summer evenings.
Is there an item of clothing that, to you, epitomizes the season?Linen. Like our Twist Bubble dress (above)—it's so light and easy, you almost forget you have it on.
What will be your go-to outfit this summer?
I wear these cropped drape little boy pants (seen in top photo) with sandals almost every day—it's my uniform. They're airy, great for the hot days.
What bag will you be carrying?
I alternate between this Mexican embroidered messenger-style bag I got in Tulum years ago and our Loop Drape bag in leather.
And your shoes? In the day I wear our Tate shoes (above): they're a half sandal, which make your feet look like they're naked. And I'm in love with my Celine metal-heel leather sandals for nighttime.
Is there something you cannot live without during summer months?
We don't have air conditioning at our house in Brooklyn, so going out to Shelter Island is the best way for me to stay cool!
What's your secret to looking fresh, even when it's 90 degrees out and crazy humid?
I use Shiseido's White Lucent Intensive Brightening Mask. In 10 minutes, I feel refreshed and my skin stays smooth and dewy.
Any vacation plans?
I'm going to Ville d'Hyeres in the south of France. We just launched our swimwear collection so I'm looking forward to having an excuse to travel and test it out!
A swimsuit from Cornejo's Spring 2010 collection.Check back tomorrow when Rebecca Taylor answers our summer survey. Runway photos by Monica Feudi; portrait by Martien Mulder.
