Effortless Fashion that Comes from Passion 

Cover Image from Coutukitsch

Rooted in history, Coutukitsch owner, Dorian Oteng started her business more than 10 years ago. She was able to turn a creative thought into a successful local Calgary business. 

“The names Coutu and Kitsch come from my grandfathers. I used the name COUTUKITSCH as a business name for projects in fashion school and it just felt right to use it when I started my jewelry brand.” Coutukitsch, a curated jewelry collection, now sells pieces from delicate chains to intricate charms. 

How did Coutukitsch come to be? Dorian needed a creative outlet. She remembered how much she loved making jewelry as a kid, so she took her first step by repurposing a necklace into earrings. This was the beginning of building her boutique. When thinking back on the earrings, she reflects: “They turned out so cute and I immediately ordered some jewelry supplies and opened an Etsy Shop.” 

Dorian’s  husband, Kofi came up with the idea to sell the jewelry at Market Collective and this is where things really started to pick up. With people showing an immense amount of love for her art and the support of her partner by her side, they opened a studio and shop with their friends, Connor and Leslie from Camp Brand Good, a fleece and essentials brand. “Our studio is located in Inglewood Calgary in the back of our brick & mortar store - The Livery Shop.” The shop is a red barn in Inglewood called the Livery Shop. The name came from the words painted on the outside of the building- literally a sign. With support of friends and family, this half empty shop truly has grown into an expansive space for creativity. Coutukitsch now has a brand-new space to sell from and it is right across from The Livery Shop. 

As a jewelry designer, where does Dorian find her inspiration?

“I find inspiration through travel, Instagram, and regular design meetings with my team. We get together and discuss styles that we love or things that we think are missing from the collection.”

“I love that when I have an idea for a new style, I can create it and wear it and share it with the world. Jewelry makes me happy.”

If you have a very specific idea for a unique piece, you will be happy to know that it is possible to get a custom-made order. The one word Dorian uses to describe Coutukitsch pieces is “effortless” and this is exactly how you will look in your stunning new jewelry.

Next time you head to Inglewood be sure to check out the beautiful jewels from this amazing artist. You might even want to take a peek at her favourite piece in the store right now: “The Gia Necklace. It’s 14k gold-filled and I stamped mine with my kids’ initials. I wear it with everything.” That is, if it’s not already sold. 

From the words of the designer herself: 

“I’m really proud of the evolution of our products. With the help of my team, we have a beautifully curated, high-quality collection that we are constantly adding new styles to. I’m also really proud to employ so many amazing people in our city.”

The future is bright for Coutukitsch with so much for us to look forward to.

You can follow Coutukitsch's journey on their Instagram at @coutukitsch.