Cornelia Wiebe, Co-founder and Operator of Leo Boutique (810 16 Ave S.W.), knows a thing or two about style. Founding Leo with her husband Jon back in 1997, they opened their doors on 17th in 2001, and have been offering avenue shoppers stylish sartorial choices ever since. Back in town after a whirlwind trip to New York for Fashion Week, Wiebe is already excited about the new looks Leo will be carrying for Fall/Winter 2015. In the meantime, Spring weather is slowly making its way into our forecast, and we couldn’t be happier to stroll 17th with Cornelia and hear about some of her favourite spots on the ave.
How do you spend a day on 17th?
My favourite way to relax is going for a facial at Studio Mt. Royal in Mt. Royal Village, they are honestly the best. If I’m looking for a full spa day experience, I’ll book a massage at Oasis Wellness Centre & Spa. After that, I’d pop into Danielle’s Consignment in the Devenish – you never know what you can find! I love going into Rubaiyat as well, I could spend hours going through each of their cases.
Where are some of your favourite spots to grab a bite?
I like popping into Corbeaux and grabbing a sandwich to-go for lunch, or picking up some baked goods to snack on at home over the weekend. In the evening, I love sitting at the bar at Ox & Angela and treating myself to a champagne cocktail, and the Sunday Supper at Model Milk is a perfect way to end the week.
What would you like to see next on the avenue?
We’d love to see more arts and culture, especially in Tomkins Park. Events that are open to everyone, that build community and add vibrancy to the street. Live music, festivals, movies in the park – we’d love to see more stuff like that happen on 17th.
What’s up next for Leo?
There’s lots happening right now! Our new Spring items have arrived, and this season has designers showing some really unique styles and silouhettes. You can also check them out online, as we recently relaunched our website (leoboutique.com) and that project was a few months in the making. We’re also gearing up for our annual collaboration with Nudie Jeans Co. and Sled Island. Nudie outfits the musicians and staff involved in Sled Island, and we are their official stockist.
Stay up-to-date on what’s new at Leo by following them online below:
Facebook: facebook.com/LeoBoutique
Twitter: @leoboutique
Instagram @leoboutique
