Cora Couture Fashion Boutiques

INTERNATIONAL FLAIR

Cora Couture brings the world to you

By Ellen Ashton-Haiste

aking women look good and feel fabulous is

Mwhat Cora Couture is all about. This small chain of shops, in four locations across southern Ontario, specializes in European fashions for women of all ages.

Partners Elizabeth Buczek and Alicia Kokot launched their flagship store in Toronto’s Bloor West neighbourhood 17 years ago and have since opened another in Collingwood and two in Stratford. According to Kokot, the latter locations have individual profiles. “The Market Place store has a casual vibe, while the Ontario Street location features a more upscale style,” she says.

All of the shops carry primarily European designs, as well as some from Canada, the United States and Australia. The owners say that all of their stock is created for comfort, intrigue and beauty.

“Our base is beautiful European designs with a flair and an edge,” says Kathleen Roth, who works out of the Collingwood shop. She describes the look as trendless. “It’s avant-garde, interesting and edgy, yet elegant. We’re definitely different from what is generally expected in fashion.”

The quality and craftsmanship, as well as the materials, are top of the line, Roth says.

That is definitely a factor setting Cora Couture apart from other women’s wear retailers, Kokot says. “We have high-quality fabrics and many natural fibres.” As examples, she lists linen, flax, wool, silk and Tencel among their offerings. The latter is derived from natural raw materials and produced using environmentally friendly processes.

The shops also carry accessories – jewellery, scarves, handbags and shoes – also sourced from European designers. “We have it all to spice up our collection and make it complete,” Kokot says.

Cora Couture’s clientele includes women of all, ages, sizes and body shapes. The staff works with them to

All four of the Cora Couture shops offer European designs and accessories that complement all figure types, so they can ensure that each customer has a positive shopping experience, according to co-owner Elizabeth Buczek, pictured above.

ensure each leaves feeling good about themselves and their purchases.

“We pride ourselves on our customer service,” Roth says. “How do our customers feel when they leave the store? Do they feel more beautiful wearing clothes that fit their body type and are made of stunning materials? That’s our whole premise.” 