Why The New Luxury Isn’t Online

Date November 17, 2016

Fashion has changed a lot in the last ten years. We know that, and you know that, but who better to talk about this, than George and Lisa Corbo, the husband and wife team behind Yorkville landmark, GeorgeC. Just this week the two celebrated the 10th anniversary of the boutique with an intimate party attended by friends and clients, as well as two commemorative launches from Italian luxury footwear designer Rocco P. and Canadian designer Mikhael Kale to be sold exclusively at the store.

What is the biggest change you’ve noticed in these ten years? Online shopping when it began was certainly a revelation in the market, but it was only used few and far between. Now, it’s an everyday occurrence, especially with designer and brand oriented fashion; the market has exploded online. The consumer is more educated now than ever before, so our buying team definitely tries to stay one step ahead to bring in the most exciting in emerging brands before anyone else does. A lot of people don’t realize that specialty stores are so important to help designers grow, and that’s what we aim to do.

Can you identify a particular piece that sold particularly well? A really interesting new style that’s been flying off the shelves this season has been a new western inspired boot by Rocco P. The boot is functional and comfortable, as Rocco’s always are. It’s a pull on style with an embroidered elastic top that makes it so easy to wear. The boot features a heavier leather sole, perfect for all seasons, and the elastic is sewn with a contrast lining, so it can be worn folded down for a peek of colour, or as is. We sold it in store with both a black python body, as well as rich brown suede with tonal elastic and sole to match. And with that said, both have sold out completely twice.

Identify three designers or labels you think more people should know about. Undoubtedly, in footwear, it’s Rocco P. Rocco’s craftsmanship along with his unique vision for his collection has created something of a cult fan base. Coveted New York designer Sally Lapointe is an incredible new take on effortless luxury in ladies RTW. Messagerie, hailing from the San Marino region of Italy pairs whimsical details stemming from childhood memories with a tailored finesse to create a fresh new take on menswear.

Best brush with celebrity? Juliette Binoche paid us a visit a couple years ago during TIFF. She was a pleasure.

Yorkville has gone through a transformation. Bloor Street has certainly changed from the early days of Yorkville. Before, it was a hub for an eclectic mix of international designer brands and specialty stores. Now, most of the boutiques have moved down toward Hazelton. The Hazelton Lanes transformation in Yorkville Village has been an interesting new venture. It will be interesting to see how things move forward in the area.

What are you looking forward to in the next ten years? We are looking forward to continuing to build on our philosophy of the store, supporting incredible designers, continuing to service our amazing clients. We are also looking forward to new ventures and Lisa (Corbo) launching her eponymous jewellery collection. It will be interesting to see how fashion continues to move forward, as we know it’s very cyclical. We believe that designer brands are slowly becoming diluted, or too common. Specialty stores will thrive because luxury is about providing something different, finding and curating unique pieces you just can’t find elsewhere.