Taking it one outfit at a time with Lisa Corbo

Leading a long and successful career in fashion, Lisa Corbo has done what many could only dream of.

From textile designer to buyer, boutique owner to social media influencer - Lisa is a fashion all-rounder. She has more than 40 years of experience in the rag trade and it all began at RMIT with a Bachelor of Design in Textiles (which is now incorporated into the Bachelor of Textiles (Design) (Honours)). It was the 1980s, a time when big and bold ruled, and Lisa was in her artistic element.

At the time, studying textiles wasn’t as on trend as being a fashion student, but Lisa’s natural eye for colour and style led her to the fashion industry anyway.

However, neither textiles nor fashion were her original choice of degree.

Lisa's Instagram

Lisa's TikTok

Finding her true calling

Originally, Lisa had applied for other arts courses and if not for a pivotal moment her career could have followed a very different path.

“I had applied for photography and then fine arts at RMIT, and when I was in my interview, they walked me over to textiles,” she recalled.

“So, I guess based on my portfolio and maybe also what I was wearing, they just felt that I would do better in a textile design course.”

Lisa was won over and she began studying for a future in textiles. She flourished at RMIT and it wasn’t solely because of the course work.

“What I liked about RMIT was that it was a community. Everyone was in it together. For me, I didn't find that in some of the other faculties that I interviewed for.”

Lisa’s love of clothing harks back to her childhood. Putting on a show complete with an array of costumes was one of her favourite pastimes.

“I had a very large family in Melbourne, siblings and cousins and I was the eldest, so I used to have little theatre groups with them whenever we had family gatherings,” she said.

“I just always liked the world of make believe, but it was always very aesthetic. I've always had an interest in colour, accessories, clothing, but very much like a stage.”

Making all the right moves

After graduating in 1984, Lisa hit the ground running by landing work in Europe. She worked as a freelance designer and spent years in Milan’s fashion industry.

Eventually she came back to Australia to work with various fashion labels and collaborators including Jag designer Adele Palmer.

“I've had many hats in the world of design: designer, retailer, international buyer, local buyer, ready to wear,” she said.

“I think probably the most satisfying thing for anyone who works in art, whether it’s fashion design or digital culture, is being recognised for your art.

“It's when you feel recognised - that, for me, is useful. It's not even about the audience, it’s just about someone appreciating your point of view.”

In 2006, Lisa opened her own luxury boutique, George C, with husband George in Toronto. For 20 years it was a hub for curated international ready to wear and accessories in both women’s and men’s wear. It also housed Lisa’s exclusive designs.

Since the boutique closed, Lisa has built a strong social media presence. On Instagram, where she has more than 400,000 followers, and TikTok, with more than 500,000 followers, she shares everything from what she’s wearing to the fashion trends she can’t stand.

“I'm a digital creator now and in order to be successful as a digital creator, as a brand, it becomes a part of your life,” she said.

“You can't really switch off and I'm not saying that in a negative way, but the cost of continuing to be successful as a digital creator means so many different things.

“It's not just about the content you produce; it's about understanding the audiences,” she said.

“My number one reason for being a digital creator is the engagement that I get from followers and particularly followers that find me inspirational.”

Guiding the next generation

Making headway in the fashion industry is notoriously difficult, but Lisa said those with the right mix of confidence and determination are likely to find a way in.

“Go out and be positive, and create something,” she said. “I do believe in positivity and believing in yourself, regardless of whatever obstacles.

“If you really have a great strength of mind about who you are, you will be able to succeed.”

Her advice for those building a label is to focus on branding.

“Brand yourself from the beginning,” Lisa said.

“I was just working with a skincare brand in Australia and the first thing I told them is to invest in how you present yourself.”

“Instagram has become very important for engagement and is your window to a successful collective audience that will transform to sales, and once you figure that out, just take it one outfit at a time.”

Story: Kate Jones

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