About Us

Renata García-Menacho created the brand Cornelio Borda while in Rome, in honor of her family. Cornelio Borda has collections Made in Italy and Made in Peru. The brand works directly with teams of Italian and Peruvian artisans to preserve ancestral techniques that are unique in the world.

Renata studied design in Hamburg, London, and Rome. After completing a Master’s degree in Accessories from the Accademia di Costume e Moda in Rome in collaboration with Fendi (footwear and leather goods), she worked with different Italian companies that are dedicated to creating ideas, materials, and designs for brands of the fashion conglomerates LMVH and Kering. Her love for accessories motivated her to move to the Marche region of Italy to work directly with Italian artisans who are experts in the sector.

Renata manages technical exchange missions for Peruvian shoemakers in Italy financed by the Government of Peru. In addition, Cornelio Borda organizes and invites Italian experts in footwear and leather goods to travel to Peru on a regular basis to promote the exchange of knowledge between the two countries. Renata has lived between Peru and Italy since 2019.

In the 1940’s, Renata’s family (the founder of the brand) had to leave their home in Paiján and move to Lima. For generations, her family had lived on the north coast of Peru, a region known for being the center of the Mochica and Chimú civilizations; cultures that existed long before the Incas. The family would always claim that their ancestral cultural heritage gave them the strength and pride they needed to start a new life in the capital city, Lima.

Like many immigrants of that time, the dream of Renata’s great-aunts: Rosa, Emma, Olga and Maura and of her grandfather Amador, was to have a house in the center of Lima. After many years of hard work, the family managed to see their dream come true. They bought a house, which was located on Cornelio Borda Street, next to the Museum of Peruvian Culture.

Renata’s father grew up in that house on Cornelio Borda Street and several years later Renata and her sisters would spend countless weekends there with their great-aunts. At the Cornelio Borda house, their great-aunt Rosa had a tailoring workshop, and she dedicated her life to making beautiful garments for her clients and family. It was at the Cornelio Borda house, where Renata learned to love Peru, the pre-Columbian cultures, the popular festivities and the artisanal work.

Our brand is dedicated to Renat’s great-aunts, strong and independent women who loved their cultural heritage.

Cornelio Borda’s mission is to merge the great Italian knowledge of footwear and leather goods with the beautiful Peruvian craftsmanship and sustainable materials. Her pieces aim to carry the soul of Peru around the world.