THE ISSUE MAGAZINE | JANUARY 09, 2022

By Jon Wiebe
February 02, 2022

FASHION UNTAMED

Continuing with the sustainability vibe that the “Fibre” fashion show provided in December, Leo Boutique is a proud Calgary-based shop carrying many beautiful sustainable pieces. Owners, Cornelia and Jon source items from unique global brands to support their commitment to reducing the carbon footprint while offering amazing style.

Brands like VEJA (France), Nudie Jeans (Sweden), Paloma Wool (Spain), GANNI (Denmark) - and more - make sustainability a priority. From local production to using recycled material, these are all priorities for these brands.

SO, WHAT ELSE CAN YOU EXPECT FROM THIS LOCAL CLOTHING BOUTIQUE?

An array of brands that speak to your individual groove so you can stand out.

“We have always been a retailer of new and emerging brands, unique and hard to find collections. We draw a client who is unconventional, creative and is seeking individual style.”

Fashion was meant to be in Cornelia and Jon’s lives and they were destined to take part in it together as expressed in their story.

“Jon was a university student studying clothing and textiles and had a goal of designing his own brand. I had worked in retail as a university student and specifically in a local shop. We decided to bring our collective experience and excitement for fashion to the marketplace and opened LEO. The name is derived from our shared astrological sign and is gender-neutral. We have always believed in fashion for people, for everyone.”

When you shop at Leo you know you are getting fashion that has been given a lot of thought. As creatives, these two focus on bringing to light designers who may not be well known yet. Every stylish piece from new and emerging brands is carefully selected to represent Leo’s vibe. You can see the excitement and appreciation for items that have been carefully chosen. As partners in business and partners in life, this husband and wife team visit brand showrooms, previewing collections of which they share in the decision of what to order.

WHAT ARE SOME OF CORNELIA AND JON’S FAVOURITE PIECES CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP?

“There are always favourites! Right now, I am obsessed with a pair of ripstop bleached Carpenter pants from KLXTV (Kurt Lyle X Toit Volant). Jon is all about the Our Legacy Fenrir Parka — it is amazing.”

They also love where their boutique is located.

Mount Royal Village is the heart of 17th Ave. It is ideal for shopping, dining, people watching and enjoying a nice afternoon in the park. We have such an incredible mix of people who pass by our shop — and live in the neighbourhood. We feel connected to our community and they feel connected to us.

Most of all, these two delightful people are proud to be successfully adapting their business in times of change. Through economic challenges and dealing with the pandemic, Cornelia and Jon and their boutique have stayed strong.

Resiliency is the best way to describe us.

Can you hear that roar? It’s Leo and its untamed fashion.

Follow @leoboutique to keep up with their latest collections!

The Writer - NATASCIA VERVENA

Natascia is a creative soul with a passion for the arts. She loves theatre, music, and discovering graffiti on her travels around the world. Ever since Natascia was young she knew clothing was more than just something to wear; it was a statement of mood, character, and culture so writing about fashion comes naturally as it evokes inspiration and expresses emotion. As the founder of Poetically Creative, a Freelance Writing service, Natascia is often seen writing away in one of her favourite local haunts.

www.linkedin.com/in/natasciavervena

Founder and Freelance Writer of Poetically Creative

Website: https://poeticallycreative.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poeticallycreative/