Some select. Some create. Eva Cordia does all of it, and brings everything together under one roof: The New Studio.

Inspired by the breadth of vintage runway archives, the allure of fashion magazines, and the stories behind overlooked pieces, Eva has built a space where timeless design takes centre stage. Since founding The New Studio in Rotterdam in 2017, she has been creating collections for the self-proclaimed treasure hunters and vintage lovers in all of us, bringing together carefully chosen vintage and handcrafted pieces made from leftover materials. Each item is chosen with care, guided by instinct and an unwavering respect for detail. Good design, Eva believes, doesn’t expire but grows richer with time.

Selection soon became creation. From a dreamy jewelry collaboration with Estudio Deva to swimwear with DU CIEL (my personal favorite!), The New Studio has developed a distinct voice among a new generation of fashion brands.
Through ‘selected collections’ and collaborations with likeminded creatives, Eva resists the throwaway rhythm of fast fashion, offering pieces that are made to last. 

Nearly a decade into The New Studio, we thought there was no better moment to sit down with Eva. Not only did we learn how selection spills into creation, but also how instinct leads the way. So buckle up – we’re about to peek behind the curtain.

Can you walk me through your journey of founding The New Studio?

The New Studio started very naturally. It began as a personal passion project, collecting and selecting vintage pieces that resonated with me, initially mainly for friends. It became a form of gifting, almost like saying, ‘look what I found for you!’. Over time, it developed into a brand with a clear philosophy, slowing down fast fashion, celebrating craftsmanship, and creating space for timeless pieces but also for creatives. What started small grew into something more intentional, while still staying close to its original feeling.

Was there a particular moment, designer, or piece that first sparked your fascination with rare and archival fashion?

There wasn’t one specific moment that I can recall, but rather a gradual appreciation for pieces that carry something. Vintage clothing always felt more meaningful to me than something newly produced. I was also drawn to the quality of the materials and the idea of longevity, these pieces were made to last, to age, and to evolve over time. In many ways, it felt like a quiet form of resistance, a conscious move away from the speed and excess of contemporary production. That sense of depth, durability, and longevity is what continues to inspire me.

Did you have any role models growing up who shaped your sense of style?

I wouldn’t say I had one specific role model, but I was strongly influenced by my surroundings. My upbringing, interiors, objects, and the way people expressed themselves through clothing all shaped my aesthetic. I’ve always admired individuals who dress intuitively and authentically.

When you select pieces for a drop, do you approach it as a consciously planned process, or does it happen more instinctively and naturally?

It’s a combination, but instinct definitely leads. I trust my intuition a lot. Of course, there is structure and intention behind a collection, but the initial selection always comes from feeling. I need to have a connection with a piece before it makes sense conceptually.

When choosing pieces, are there any criteria? Does an item have to spark a specific emotion, or meet certain requirements before it feels ‘right’?

I always try to look at the material first. A piece has to evoke something, whether it’s comfort, strength, nostalgia, or a sense of confidence. Quality and craftsmanship are fundamental, but ultimately it needs to feel sincere. If it doesn’t feel honest or aligned with the spirit of The New Studio, it won’t be included.

How do you feel about trends?

I don’t consciously work with them. For me, trends can feel disconnected from the essence of clothing. I’m drawn to pieces that stand on their own, timeless in material and construction, rather than being defined by what’s currently happening in fashion. That said, every now and then a trend can resonate with me, and I’ll happily engage with it if vintage allows for it.

Do you pay attention to the way certain decades come back in fashion, and does that shape how you curate?

I’m not particularly focused on seasons, or purposefully bringing back specific elements. I might be influenced unconsciously, but not in a thought-through way. I prefer to create and select based on what’s available at the moment, without following standard routines too closely.

Can a trend ever feel timeless to you, or is it always fleeting?

Some trends can feel timeless when they’re rooted in simplicity and authenticity. But generally I feel like that timelessness comes from deliberation, not from trends. A truly timeless piece doesn’t rely on what’s popular at the moment.

If you could produce your own runway show, what would it look like?

It would be intimate and understated. I imagine a calm, almost meditative atmosphere, filled with natural light and minimal set design, allowing the garments and the people wearing them to truly speak for themselves. Rather than a traditional runway show, it would feel like a shared, artistic experience, an exclusive moment to observe, feel, and connect.

Are there any collaborations or new projects in the works that you’d like to share with us?

We’re continuously exploring collaborations with like-minded makers and creatives who share our values. While I prefer to let projects unfold naturally, there are always new ideas and directions developing behind the scenes:)

As told to Aa Magazine