Lisa Corbo is the self-described ‘Global Girl Next Door’. The designer, stylist, influencer and retail queen is one of Toronto’s biggest style icons, known for her fashion eye and passion for empowering women of all ages through clothing and accessories.

A lover of luxury and a design aficionado, of course Lisa Corbo is one of Hania Kuzbari’s muses. Keep scrolling to read our conversation with the woman who wears all the fashion hats and find out who inspires her.

“I think my main inspiration has always been my mother.”

“I think my main inspiration has always been my mother because she has worn many hats. She's very self-driven, even in her 80s. She was definitely my mentor, but she definitely also taught me to love and appreciate beauty. She taught me it's quality over quantity.”

The Australian-born fashion insider finds herself admiring new people every day, everywhere she goes. “I’m always amazed at how many different people I meet, through work and my travels. All of these women that are doing different things. You may not even recognize some of the most inspiring people, they might be living next door to you.”

“If you're creative, it's really hard for you to ever press the off button.

Lisa co-founded the Toronto luxury boutique, George C, with her husband in 2006. Creative ideas follow Lisa wherever she goes.

“If you're creative, it's really hard for you to ever press the off button. That's what makes you a creative person, an artist. Regardless of your creativity, something is always going to inspire you or grab your attention.”

“Every day is a highlight for me.”

Alongside her many fashion ventures, she is an avid philanthropist — organizing some of Toronto’s most glamorous charity events and raising millions of dollars for various organizations. She hasn’t struggled to keep busy during the pandemic though, and has spent time reflecting on the highlights of her career.

“I indulged in a lot of reflection because of COVID. I actually had time to really stop and think. I turned 60 this year, so I don't know if it was just the combination of a new decade and the fact that I obviously was locked down, but I was in a different place because I was isolated from social media, my audience, my clients, my family. After reflecting, I realized that there's been many highlights. Every day is a highlight for me”

“For me, your attitude is half the battle.” 

While pondering on her impressive career, Lisa also made note of what her most important lessons have been. 

“I just think women are masters at multitasking.”

“For me, your attitude is half the battle, and wearing a lot of hats for women does go, as far as I'm concerned, unrecognized. I don't think men appreciate fully how much we do. I just think women are masters at multitasking. I also think it’s important to focus on the journey, which I’ve been sharing with my children. COVID has been a great way to prove to them that you have to be flexible and you have to be independent.”

“It’s also about taking home something that has value, regardless of the price point. I think that is key now.”

The future of fashion has also been on Lisa’s mind. The retail pro believes that in a post-COVID world shopping will be all about the experience, with gen-z and millennials selecting the IRL stores they want to visit based on the experience they envisage from the brand’s online image.

“It's definitely going to be about the experience. People are looking for something new and exciting. It’s also about taking home something that has value, regardless of the price point. I think that is key now.”

“I look for jewelry that will last forever and has sentimental value.”

And finally, we just had to ask Lisa about how she styles her jewelry.

“I definitely gravitate towards rings. I find that with bracelets it depends on the season. Like I'll definitely wear more bracelets if it's warmer weather. I look for jewelry that will last forever and has sentimental value.”

Meet more of Hania Kuzbari’s muses! Read our interviews with Rosemin Madhavji and Mani Jassal.