Rooted in Family: Harriet Corriero & Vestis Fashion Group

For anyone who follows fashion with a love for timeless elegance and elevated living, Harriet Corriero is a name that resonates. Known for her refined style and warm presence, Harriet brings a fresh, approachable energy to the world of luxury womenswear. As Vice President of Retail at Vestis Fashion Group Inc., she leads with vision, grace, and a deep personal connection to the industry—one shaped by heritage, motherhood, and a lifelong passion for beautiful, thoughtful fashion.

Fashion runs in Harriet’s blood. Raised by Catherine Guadagnuolo, the trailblazer who brought Max Mara to North America, Harriet grew up surrounded by the textures, silhouettes, and stories that define Italian style. “I learned everything I know from my mother,” she often says. And that influence continues to shape her journey today—whether she is curating collections, styling clients, or mentoring retail teams.

What began as quiet moments watching her mother in the showroom has grown into a dynamic, purpose-driven career. Harriet’s path is one marked by creativity, intention, and a powerful understanding of how clothing can transform not only how a woman looks, but how she feels.

FASHION AS A LIFESTYLE

Today, Harriet oversees the operations of Max Mara, Weekend Max Mara, Max&Co., and Marella in Western Canada. With over a decade of experience in fashion buying and management, she brings both strategic insight and personal flair to her role. Her refined aesthetic, shaped by years of hands-on retail and a lifetime of creative exposure, translates into curated collections that celebrate both timeless style and modern practicality.

“The Max Mara ethos hinges on bringing pragmatic and timeless dressing solutions to everyday women,” Harriet explains. “The brands are synonymous with classic, timeless dressing and pieces that work hard in your closet.”

That philosophy mirrors Harriet’s personal approach to style. As a mother to two little girls under three, she favours an effortless, classic aesthetic—one she can live in while navigating meetings, managing teams, and chasing toddlers at the park. Her wardrobe is a reflection of that balance: polished, yet practical; chic, yet grounded.

MOTHERHOOD MEETS LEADERSHIP

Harriet’s approach to business is deeply maternal—not just in how she nurtures her own young daughters, but in the way she leads teams, builds relationships, and cultivates community. “Motherhood has made me stronger, more intuitive, and more present,” she says. “It has shifted my perspective in the best possible way. I am more empathetic and more focused on creating meaningful experiences, not just transactions.”

On weekends, Harriet can often be found preparing vibrant Mediterranean meals for friends and family, or hosting playful holiday-themed events for her daughters and their young friends. The Farmers Market is a regular weekend ritual, where she introduces her girls to the colours, tastes, and people behind local produce. It is here—between fresh herbs, sun-ripened tomatoes, and handmade bread—that Harriet finds the same kind of inspiration she brings into her showrooms.

Her affinity for lifestyle and home is woven into her brand’s success. “You have definitely picked up on my vibe,” she says with a smile. “I love all-things-creative, and outside of work, I have a penchant for home and lifestyle.” That passion shows in everything from store design and merchandising to community engagement and personal styling. The environments she curates are warm, elegant, and welcoming—just like the atmosphere of her family home.

A BUSINESS REIMAGINED

Vestis Fashion Group Inc., originally founded by Catherine Guadagnuolo in 1985, has long been a leader in bringing Italian womenswear to Canadian markets. Now, under Harriet’s leadership, the business has expanded its reach and relevance. The recent openings of Max&Co. and Marella in Vancouver’s CF Pacific Centre mark a generational evolution in the company’s story.

“This is kind of full circle for us,” Harriet shares. “My mom brought Max Mara as a license to North America—she opened the first stores here. Now we have opened the first Max&Co. and Marella locations in Western Canada. It feels like the beginning of an exciting new era.”

Vestis now operates six locations in Vancouver, with two more slated to open at Oakridge Centre. Each space embodies a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary elegance. From the iconic tailoring of Max Mara to the laid-back sophistication of Weekend Max Mara, and the youthful spirit of Max&Co., every brand under the Vestis umbrella reflects the values Harriet holds dear: quality, longevity, beauty, and purpose.

IN HER OWN STYLE

Whether she is curating a capsule wardrobe for a client, selecting next season’s collections from Milan, or training her team to deliver elevated service, Harriet Corriero brings a maternal intelligence and a modern sensibility to her work. She understands that women today are not just looking for clothing—they are looking for ease, for confidence, for a sense of self. Her role is to help them find it.

“I believe in thoughtful clothing,” Harriet says. “Clothing that reflects who you are, that supports you through every part of your day, and that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.”

With her Italian-Canadian heritage, lifelong immersion in fashion, and the unshakable strength of a mother, Harriet Corriero is shaping the future of womenswear in Western Canada. One impeccably tailored coat at a time.

For lovers of chic, sophisticated fashion, the newly opened Max&Co. and Marella boutiques at CF Pacific Centre offer more than just beautiful clothing—they offer a glimpse into Harriet Corriero’s refined vision for the modern woman. Every collection, every detail, and every curated piece reflects her commitment to timeless elegance and effortless wearability.

Whether building a capsule wardrobe or discovering that perfect statement piece, visitors are invited to step into a world where style is elevated, service is personal, and fashion truly feels like home.

Author Profile

Helen Siwak, Luxury Lifestyle Observer: Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at [email protected].