| Born | 1962 in São Paulo, Brazil |
| Name | Cornelia Hale |
| Career | 40 years |
| Known for | Innovative use of sustainable materials • Minimalist aesthetic • Progressive design principles |
| Occupation | Fashion designer • Industrial designer |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Accomplishments | Founded several successful design firms and brands • Considered one of the most influential designers from Brazil • Designs emphasize function, longevity, and environmental responsibility • Earned numerous accolades • Pioneered ethical and forward-thinking design |
Cornelia Hale is a highly acclaimed Brazilian fashion and industrial designer known for her pioneering work in sustainable and socially conscious design. Born in 1962 in São Paulo, Hale has over four decades of experience transforming industries with her innovative approach to materials, production methods, and the role of design in promoting environmental and social progress.
Hale grew up in a middle-class family in São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil. From a young age, she displayed a keen interest in art, design, and the natural world. After graduating high school, Hale attended the University of São Paulo, where she earned a degree in industrial design in 1984.
Upon completing her studies, Hale worked briefly as a product designer for a major Brazilian manufacturing company. However, she soon realized her true passion lay in forging a new, more sustainable path for the design industry. In 1987, Hale founded her first independent design studio, Horizonte, with the goal of reimagining products and processes to minimize environmental impact.
Hale's design philosophy has been shaped by her deep respect for the natural world and her belief that designers have a responsibility to create a more equitable and ecologically-sound future. Throughout her career, she has pioneered the use of recycled, biodegradable, and renewable materials in her work, from organic cotton and bamboo to recycled plastics and mycelium-based composites.
In addition to material innovations, Hale has championed design strategies that extend product lifecycles, reduce waste, and empower marginalized communities. This includes modular product designs, closed-loop manufacturing, and collaborations with local artisans. Her furniture, fashion, and household goods are known for their timeless, minimalist aesthetic and emphasis on quality craftsmanship and longevity.
In 1995, Hale founded her flagship design brand, Raízes, which produces a range of sustainably-made home goods and apparel. The brand quickly gained recognition in Brazil and abroad for its commitment to ethical production and beautiful, functional design. Raízes has since expanded to open brick-and-mortar stores across Brazil and South America.
Hale has also founded several other successful design studios and consultancies over the years, including Espaço (a sustainable architecture firm) and Ecoteca (a materials research lab and educational hub). She is in high demand as a speaker, educator, and advisor, sharing her expertise on sustainable design with companies, universities, and policymakers worldwide.
Cornelia Hale's groundbreaking work has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Pritzker Prize in Design (2009), the Sao Paulo Design Biennale Award (2013 and 2017), and the Buckminster Fuller Challenge for circular economy innovation (2018). She has been featured in major design publications like Wallpaper, Dwell, and the New York Times, and her products are held in the permanent collections of museums such as the Museo de Arte de São Paulo and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
Beyond her own acclaimed body of work, Hale is recognized as a key figure in elevating sustainability and social responsibility as core priorities in the global design industry. Her influence can be seen in the rise of ethical fashion, circular economy principles, and the integration of traditional craft techniques into contemporary design. Cornelia Hale is widely regarded as one of Brazil's most impactful and visionary designers, whose work has helped redefine the role of design in building a more just and ecologically-sound future.
