LINDA PERISA

"It has always been a complete passion, never just a business," says Linda Perisa, a self-professed shop girl and the savvy retailer behind 119 Corbo. This passion was never more apparent when Linda pulled off the ultimate fashion coup, bringing Paris to Toronto, by presenting Haider Ackermann's tour de force Fall 2010 collection at the ROM with the designer in attendance. It was the first time that the game changing fashion talent had shown in North America and he did so, because as he simply put it, "Linda asked me."

This shows the level of respect Linda has garnered after more than two decades - as the head buyer for Corbo Boutique, a business she co-owned, and now as the proprietor of 119 Corbo - on the international fashion scene. Known for her buying acumen, with an ability to strategically curate the collections she believes in to work for a cross section of her customers, she also has an unerring eye for directional designers bound for super stardom. She introduced Ann Demeulemeester, Rick Owens and yes, Haider Ackermann to Canada. "I know when it's right," says Linda, a statuesque brunette and former model who was enticed into retail by the "fabulous shoes coming out of Europe in the mid-eighties."

As the sole owner of 119 Corbo, Linda is pursuing her singular retail vision of innovative but wearable European high fashion, effortlessly cool wardrobe staples and statement shoes and accessories. With her trademark clean style - strong and sexy with a bit of drama - Linda is a fashion icon in her own right, often appearing in the press on television dispensing her shopping advice and style tips. A role model to her who's who of loyal customers, Linda's seasonal buy satisfies all their lifestyle and body type needs. "It's about the woman. I pick pieces that bring out her personal style and who she is. She stands out... not the fashion."