(On Kofi, left) Topman T-shirt and Nudie jeans from Hudson’s Bay; jacket from Gap; Nike shoes from Little Burgundy.
(On Dorian, left) Silence + Noise blouse from Urban Outfitters; jeans from Gap; mules from Aldo; jewellery by CoutuKitsch.
(On Kofi, right) Topman T-shirt and bomber from Hudson’s Bay; John Elliott jeans from Holt Renfrew; Vans shoes from Little Burgundy.
(On Dorian, right) Bralettes from Zara and American Apparel; wide-leg pants and heeled mules from Zara; jewellery by CoutuKitsch.
Finding two pieces that complement each other perfectly can be difficult, but for Dorian Kitsch and Kofi Oteng, the duo behind Calgary accessories brand CoutuKitsch, being in sync with each other happens naturally.
“Sometimes we unknowingly end up dressing the same, like we’ll match,” says Kitsch. “This is going back to when we first started working together at Sportchek head office, where we met. We would show up wearing the same colour shirt and jeans or something. Even now, I’ll come into work and our outfits will complement each other and I’ll say ‘How are we twinning again, how does this happen?'”
Oteng agrees the sartorial synchronicities are uncanny. “We’ll wear the same colour sweater, jeans and runners,” he says. “And I’m like: ‘You’re the female version of me right now.'”
Luckily, between Oteng’s casual street wear and Kitsch’s mix of simple, classic looks and bright, clashing patterns, the pair have more than enough style to share.
What’s your current Calgary fashion obsession?
Kitsch: “The girls from Dreamboat Lucy have a jewellery line, but they also do apparel. We see them at Market Collective and they always have really cool stuff.”
Oteng: “A buddy of mine, Spencer Badu. He pushes the limits. He’s very futuristic. I love his silhouettes and I like the fact that he’s taking risks.”
Where do you go do be seen fashion-wise?
Kitsch: “I would say PARK events: PARKshow in the spring, or PARKluxe in the fall. We definitely try to make a point to go all out.”
Oteng: “People are dressing their best when you go to PARK events, so you really see what people are doing.”
What’s your dream outfit?
Kitsch: “Braided velvet sandals in emerald by Marco de Vincenzo, a pair of mismatched seam distressed denim, and an oversized white button-down shirt (this I would probably borrow from Kofi’s closet, I’ve been ‘stealing’ his shirts lately). The outfit wouldn’t be complete without some CoutuKitsch jewels! I would layer our Alexa choker – I seriously wear this necklace so much.”