The Working Wardrobe: Clara Cornet
At the center of the fashion ecosystem is CLARA CORNET, Instagram’s head of strategic fashion and beauty partnerships. With more than a decade of experience as a luxury-fashion buyer and creative director, visual storytelling has become her most acute skill. Here, the aesthete and mentor for emerging designers talks to KARA KIA about the power of a creative community and shares her top tips for great style
Disruptive design is embedded in Clara Cornet’s DNA. Born and raised in Paris, her childhood was filled with a deep appreciation of Japanese designers – with Commes des Garçons making regular appearances in her parents’ wardrobes. “That must have had some influence on my love for fashion and design,” says Cornet from her Parisian apartment, with a sinuous Ultrafragola mirror setting the backdrop. “I was very lucky to be able to travel throughout my life and career, and to be inspired by the many different, diverse creatives I’ve met around the world who have helped me refine my eye even further. I admire the people who have made me understand more deeply the passion that goes into putting a product out into the world, and the storytelling that is tied to having a brand.”
Since joining Instagram, Cornet has become a nexus between emerging designers and the expectations of evolving audiences, playing a crucial role in supporting budding creatives through the challenges they may face in the fashion industry. “Instagram has enabled fashion to be consumed and shared globally – and, more than ever, to be democratized. Before, it was an industry that was known for having quite a closed door. Now, the fashion industry is using the platform to build direct relationships between creative professionals, as well as with fashion fans. It’s enabling people to find a grand diversity of talent, and to be able to foster those collaborations – and that creative community makes me so happy.”
Cornet’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of designers meant it was imperative for her to celebrate NET-A-PORTER’s The Vanguard initiative in this photoshoot. “I chose emerging designers Lukhanyo Mdingi, Peter Do, Conner Ives and Cecilie Bahnsen because I truly admire their work and how they have cut through the noise to create brands that stand on their own – each with its own unique vision. I wanted to wear four brands that were very different, and that have been able to leverage their messaging to be scouted as LVMH prize winners and finalists.”
Read on to discover more about Cornet’s best tips for great style, healthy skin and smart travel…
“I chose emerging designers Lukhanyo Mdingi, Peter Do, Conner Ives and Cecilie Bahnsen because I truly admire their work and how they have cut through the noise to create brands that stand on their own
”
Dress fabulous
“I’m very much a dress person. When I need to look put together but don’t have much time, I go for a fabulous dress – either a flowy silk piece by Balenciaga, or a voluminous dress by Simone Rocha or Cecilie Bahnsen. I also love a flattering knit dress, like the one I’m wearing in this shoot by Lukhanyo Mdingi.”
Comfort first
“I’ve been wearing flats for a long time because of my buying background; I walk a lot, I do a lot of showrooms, and I like to be comfortable. I always wear flats in the daytime, like a classic from The Row, but I also love supporting the next generation of footwear designers, such as By Far. When I want a heel, an all-time favorite is Amina Muaddi. She does one of the most glamorous heel shapes.”
Switch it up
“A blazer will make you look refined and work-ready in no time. The one I’m wearing for this shoot is by Peter Do – and it’s spectacular. I also love an oversized blazer. I’m quite petite, but I think it makes you immediately look, and feel, a bit cooler. I like pairing a tailored men’s blazer with a simple outfit. You can wear a blazer with a T-shirt and jeans and instantly look polished.”
“I love an oversized blazer. I’m quite petite, but I think it makes you immediately look, and feel, a bit cooler. I like pairing a tailored men’s blazer with a simple outfit
”
Keep cool
“I don’t wear a lot of makeup, but I take good care of my skin, especially when it comes to hydrating during flights. I recommend that anyone who travels, and anyone who is conscious of sun damage, wears SPF while they’re in the airplane. I use an SPF50. That’s a dermatologist tip, and I don’t know if she was just having a laugh telling me this, but I do it because she said, ‘You’re even closer to the sun, if you think about it.’ It’s also mandatory that I travel with my Dr. Barbara Sturm Mini Sun Drops SPF50, and the Hydrating Face Mist, in my carry-on kit.”
“I don’t wear a lot of makeup, but I take good care of my skin, especially when it comes to hydrating during flights
”
Adorn yourself
“Because I was pregnant during the pandemic, it wasn’t really the best time to buy new clothing. But I did find myself buying a lot of fashion jewelry, especially by female-owned brands. It brings me great joy, it’s a more affordable price point, and it’s a very intimate purchase – because it’s right against my skin, so feels very personal. Fashion jewelry is definitely something I’ve been leaning into more recently, especially pieces from Alighieri – a brand whose price point allows a woman to buy something for herself without having to wait for an anniversary or a special occasion. I find that very empowering – to treat myself without waiting for a boyfriend, or a girlfriend, to buy it for me.”