Harriet Guadagnuolo, Vice President of Retail at Vestis Fashion Group, is at the helm of a Vancouver-based luxury retail company that has been a staple in the city’s fashion scene since its founding in 1985. Specializing in high-quality, European-inspired fashion, Vestis brings timeless collections and personalized styling services to the discerning shopper. Harriet’s deep passion for fashion, influenced by her mother’s legacy, drives her mission to offer exceptional customer experiences and curate unique pieces that elevate individual style.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Vestis Fashion Group is a Vancouver-based luxury retail company founded in 1985. We specialize in bringing high-quality, European-inspired fashion to the BC market, curating a portfolio of renowned brands under license, tailored to our clientele’s sophisticated tastes. Our approach is deeply personalized, offering everything from meticulously selected clothing collections to one-on-one styling consultations that help our customers express their individuality through fashion.
What made you want to do this work?
Fashion has always been part of my life. My mother, inspired by the craftsmanship and detailing of Italian fashion during a trip to Europe, opened her first boutique on South Granville in 1985, introducing Vancouver to well-made, ready-to-wear brands like Max Mara. Growing up, I was captivated by her work and the way clothing could transform confidence and self-expression. My passion led me to study European history at Wheaton College, Massachusetts, deepening my appreciation for the cultural influences that shape fashion. Today, I am proud to continue my mother’s legacy by bringing beautifully made, timeless fashion to Vancouver. Nothing compares to the moment a client finds the perfect outfit, whether for a special occasion or everyday wear. Seeing their confidence shine is what drives me every day. Fashion is more than just clothing. It’s about how we present ourselves to the world, and I love helping people feel their best.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
When my mother first started Vestis, there was a clear gap in the Vancouver market for luxury womenswear that blended European craftsmanship with West Coast style. Over the years, we’ve continued to bridge that gap by offering an elevated, highly curated shopping experience where customers can find impeccable quality, expert styling, and pieces that feel both timeless and personal.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Our primary clientele are women who appreciate well-crafted, stylish, and versatile fashion. They value quality above all and seek pieces that enhance their personal style while standing the test of time. Our customers range from professionals looking for polished workwear to fashion-forward individuals who love timeless fashion.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
Vestis Fashion Group operates through a carefully curated portfolio of luxury brands, offering an exclusive selection of high-end womenswear. We work directly with designers and brands to bring our clientele the best in European and contemporary fashion. Our business is built on long-standing relationships with customers who trust our expertise and return for both the product and the personalized experience we offer.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
We were excited to expand our presence in Vancouver with the opening of two new stores at Cadillac Fairview Pacific Centre. These locations further our mission of bringing timeless, high-quality fashion to the city’s style-conscious shoppers.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
How is Max and Co. and Marella different than shopping in other stores in Vancouver?
The strength of being a local operator of globally recognized brands is our ability to offer a highly personalized, customer-centric approach. We’re not just selling clothing—we’re curating an experience tailored to the tastes and needs of our local market. We pride ourselves on being agile, quickly responding to trends and customer preferences we know our market will love. Our team of experts offers bespoke service, including on-site tailoring to ensure every piece fits perfectly. We view ourselves as a local concierge who elevates our clients’ wardrobes to new heights of perfection. This is what truly sets us apart.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part of working in fashion retail is helping women look and feel their best. Nothing compares to answering a client’s needs, connecting and styling them in-person and seeing them leave the store with pieces you know they love and a curated look that is effortless for them to dress well day to day. As a buyer, the worst part about the job is having to be extremely decisive when it comes to our product selection. There are so many seasonal offerings, but as a buyer, we need to be brave, take risks and narrow in on what we think our demographic and consumer will want to see from us. While we love so much of what we see, and fashion can be so creative and interesting, we can’t always have it all. Part of doing the job well is having restraint and making those tough decisions.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
As a buyer, I always reference the iconic scene from The Devil Wears Prada where Miranda Preistly, played by Meryl Streep (the magazine editor), is coming down on Andy (the intern) for not knowing or caring about the difference between two belts that look almost identical. In this scene, Preistly highlights that she (Andy) is green to the industry. I think it’s very poignant and funny for anyone who works in fashion because it highlights how particular aesthetics can be, and how specific and nuanced this world of fashion must be to effectively capture the audience/client. While it may seem ridiculous to anyone who isn’t in this industry, we do need to take minute design nuances seriously! They could mean the difference between a garment as a best-seller or a dud!
Where can we follow you?
For BTS from a fashion industry person, I post fashion and styling content on Instagram and TikTok! You can connect with me on LinkedIn or follow us on Instagram at @maxandco and @marella_official.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
There are so many amazing local fashion brands from right here in Vancouver. Vancouver is full of so many creative people. I really admire some of the local fashion brands that have come out of our city. I think Oak and Fort is creating some really clever products.
