LIÉ CONVERSATIONS /
In conversation with Eva Cordia
Meet Eva Cordia - Rotterdam-based creative director and founder of The New Studio. With a background spanning both fashion and interiors, Eva has carved out a distinctive space where design, storytelling, and personal style intersect. Driven by a passion for conscious living, she is reimagining the way we approach vintage fashion - elevating pre-loved pieces through thoughtful curation and a refined aesthetic.
Her work and social presence reflect a sharp eye for detail paired with an effortless sense of ease. As long-time admirers, we caught up with Eva to talk about her creative journey, the role of friendship in shaping her work, and the rituals that keep her inspired along the way.
What inspired you to start The New Studio - how would you describe your journey so far, and what does your work look like today?
It started as something small, without a clear goal, simply out of passion and love for second-hand pieces. I grew up surrounded by vintage design; my parents shared a strong interest in fashion and interiors, often with a nostalgic touch. At some point, I realized that I wanted to tell a story through it, to explore how clothing is made, what values and ideas I connected to it, and to share that with others.
The New Studio came to life very naturally and organically. What began with vintage has now evolved into our own designs, and we collaborate with small, sustainable family-run businesses through our contact in Brussels and our makers in Italy. That’s something I’m incredibly proud of, it’s something I’ve searched for a long time to find. It’s also not always easy; everything has to follow a certain path because I strongly believe in a certain philosophy — the meaningful, costly and slower one and I’m grateful I’ve stayed true to that belief.
Every day still feels like a search for new challenges and a gentle push outside my comfort zone, while at the same time trying to build a consistent and grounded platform. Over the past year, a lot has changed in that sense. Beautiful things take time, and I’ve learned to give them that time. Sometimes it feels like standing still, even though behind the scenes something truly special is growing.
Above all, I try to enjoy the process. Every day I wake up feeling grateful that I get to do this, and I owe that to our customers, to everyone who believes in and feels inspired by what we create. That support fills me with a lot of joy and love.
How do you define success - personally and professionally?
For me, success means staying true to myself, finding joy in what I do, and nurturing the passion that drives me to create. Professionally, it’s about the freedom to shape my own path and to build something meaningful on my own terms.
Over time, I’ve learned that true success lies in balance: when my work flows in harmony with my well-being and the people around me. Feeling grounded, healthy, and connected, being present for those I love, and knowing they’re there for me, that, to me, is the most genuine form of success.
Beyond that, success also means creating something that resonates with others. When people feel a sense of recognition or connection in what we do, when the message reaches them, and when, together, we contribute, even in small ways, to a more thoughtful and sustainable world.
Where do you find inspiration when selecting vintage pieces or creating new collections?
I find inspiration in everything that surrounds me, in people, print, moments, and places I experience. Stepping outside my own bubble from time to time feels essential; it allows me to recharge, see the world with fresh eyes, and rediscover the creative spark that keeps me curious
Often, my deepest inspiration comes from moments of emotion, sometimes even from the deepest sadness, when everything feels more intense and real. It might sound unusual, but I’ve learned that emotion is a powerful source of energy; it gives my work depth, honesty, and meaning.
Is there a guiding philosophy or creative principle that shapes your work and life?
At the heart of my work lies a belief in authenticity, that everything we feel and experience has the power to shape what we create. I try to approach each project with openness and emotion, allowing things to unfold naturally rather than forcing them into a certain form.
I believe in creating from a place of honesty and intuition, trusting that when something is made with sincerity, it will find its way to others. It’s about following my own rhythm, even when that means taking the slower or less certain road. Curiosity, experimentation, and courage are constant companions in that journey, they remind me that growth often comes from simply daring to begin.
How has friendship in business influenced your approach?
I’ve come to realize how much I value being surrounded by people who feel like home, my inner circle. I love involving them in the creative process and sharing what we build together. So much of what The New Studio has become has grown from those shared moments, which naturally include family and friends. Whenever they can join a showroom or contribute creatively, I always welcome it. They’re the foundation that keeps not only The New Studio standing strong, but also helps me stay grounded and true to myself.
Can you share a bit about how you and Silvia collaborate in the studio?
Eva: Sil and I started collaborating a few years ago. I was looking someone to join The New Studio whom I could trust, who shared the same passion, and who brought qualities that I didn’t have. Sil was the person who came to mind as the perfect partner. After several years of working closely together, our collaboration has since evolved into a new form, Sil focuses more on the bags, while I take care of the bigger picture for The New Studio. It hasn’t always been easy, but at the same time, it’s been incredibly beautiful, and I can truly say that we are both very proud of each other. The New Studio carries a lot of beautiful weight, and with that comes two autonomous individuals who both have their own visions. I think the most beautiful thing we can do is give each other freedom, accept and value each other, and I have always felt supported by Sil in that.
Silvia: Besides that, our collaboration is very organic, it’s built on contrast as much as on harmony. Eva and I are quite different in the way we create: she’s the dreamer, often guided by intuition and vision, while I tend to stay closer to the ground, making sure those ideas can actually take form. Somehow, that balance works perfectly. We share the same sense of aesthetics and values, so even though we approach things differently, our paths always meet in the middle. It feels less like dividing tasks and more like a constant exchange of energy. She brings the spark, I give it structure.
What has working with Silvia taught you?
Eva: Sil is incredibly relaxed, grounded, and organized. She’s rock-solid, someone I can completely rely on. That’s a very comforting feeling. Working with her has taught me to sometimes let go of unnecessary worry, but it has also shown me that, while we share the same energy and vision, we are two different individuals with our own strengths and ideas. I think there were moments when we both wished the other would mirror us exactly, but really, the beauty is in how our differences complement each other. I believe we’ve found that balance now.
She has always made me feel that she believed in my ideas, and beyond that, she’s deeply empathetic and genuinely cares for people, a quality I truly admire and one that has made our working such a joy. Over the past few years, we’ve found a new way of collaborating, different from before, that honours both our friendship and our individual ways of creating.
What has working with Eva taught you?
Silvia: Working with Eva has taught me how much creativity grows when it’s shared. She challenges me to look at things from new angles and to stay open, even when an idea feels uncertain at first. Our collaboration has reminded me that creating isn’t something you do alone, it’s a dialogue that keeps evolving, and that’s what makes it so fulfilling.
How would you describe your aesthetic in three words?
I would say; refined, sincere, and timeless.
Do you have a ritual or routine that helps you stay creatively grounded or energized?
For me, staying creatively grounded begins with taking care of myself. In the early days, I often overlooked that, and over time I realized how much it matters. When I make space for rest and self-care, everything else flows more easily, there’s more calm, more clarity, and with that comes creativity.
My daily rituals are simple things that bring me comfort and focus: drinking tea, spending time in the forest, listening to music, and being with friends. I try to live fully in the moment, to be present in the here and now and I think that way of living has become my own quiet creative ritual.
What piece of advice has stayed with you through different chapters of your career?
Never be jealous and always stay true to yourself, this has become a sort of mantra for me, something my mother used to tell me every day. I will never forget it.
What’s your relationship with jewelry – do you own a vintage or heirloom piece that holds special meaning?
I’ve always had a deep love for jewelry, though I truly believe that less is more. I’m definitely a rings person, I wear four every day. Two of them are especially precious to me: one from my mom and one from my boyfriend, who are both no longer with me. They carry a profound personal meaning, and I keep them close as a way to feel connected to them, forever. The other two rings I like to switch up, depending on my mood or when I discover a new piece I’m excited about. Lately, I’ve been especially fond of the Nanna ring from LIÉ.
Is there something you’re currently excited about or looking forward to this season?
AUTUMN! It might be my favorite season. Everything turning yellow, the mushrooms, I’m in the forest almost every week, especially when the sun is low and the air is crisp. It’s the season of sleeping in forest cabins, warm hot chocolate, and endless cups of tea. Building forts at home to sleep in and watch movies, the cozy season has begun, and I’m really excited about it.
On top of that, we have a three week shop in November with The New Studio, and it feels like coming home. We haven’t done Amsterdam like this for a while, and I really missed it. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in Amsterdam again where we bring the cozy season change as well <3
