How La Coutts Redefines Luxury Handbags with Cutting-Edge Design and Community Spirit in Toronto
In the heart of Toronto’s fashion scene, a unique brand is making waves with its groundbreaking approach to everyday luxury and functionality. La Coutts, a thermal designer handbag brand founded by the visionary Corie Laraya-Coutts, blends style with innovative technology, setting new benchmarks for what accessories can achieve. The designer is a seasoned entrepreneur and a published writer. She has infused her personal experiences and entrepreneurial spirit into creating a product that encapsulates chic design and practical utility.
Fashion Designer: Tristan Licud of TFL Couture, Designer Bags: Corie Coutts of La Coutts Toronto, // Producer: Couture Culture and Arts (CCA) // Creative Director: Claris Minas Manglicmot // Production Manager: Meghan Durnford // Photographer: Stan Trac / Hair and Makeup Artist: Milad Taherzadeh // Production Assistants: Luna Muhanna and Andre Natabio // Photo & video edits: Achive Solutions /
The Inspiration Behind La Coutts
The inception of La Coutts was inspired by a simple yet unmet need for versatility in everyday accessories. During leisure rounds of golf, Corie found herself in need of a bag that wasn’t just functional but also stylish, capable of carrying essentials from the green to everyday life without skipping a beat. This sparked the idea for a handbag that could cater to diverse activities and environments, leading to the creation of La Coutts. Corie shares, “I’ve always sought a dynamic handbag that blends practicality with style effortlessly—a versatile companion for various activities. This personal quest led to the birth of La Coutts.”
handbags are crafted to offer more than just storage; they also come with innovative thermal technology that maintains optimal temperatures for carrying everything from medication to fresh food. This functionality struck a chord with many, extending the brand’s appeal far beyond the golf enthusiasts.” As I shared my prototypes, there was a resounding interest that extended beyond sports—an eagerness for a lifestyle brand that caters to diverse needs.”, Corie explains.
A Lifestyle Brand Emerges
As prototypes became products, La Coutts quickly transcended its initial market. This was a pivotal moment, realizing that her designs could cater widely, from office workers seeking stylish yet practical options for carrying daily essentials to travelers needing to maintain temperature-sensitive medications or snacks. This innovative feature is the cornerstone of La Coutts’ utility, ensuring that everything from a light lunch to critical medications is kept in perfect condition. “Prior to production, meticulous research guided our design process, ensuring that functionality met style seamlessly,” says Corie. The bags feature dual compartments, which separate thermal insulation from everyday storage, wrapped in aesthetically pleasing, high-quality materials.
Managing a brand like La Coutts requires a delicate balance between creative ideation and strategic business management—a challenge that Corie navigates with the finesse of a seasoned conductor. “For me, it’s like conducting a symphony, harmonizing creativity with practicality to create something truly special,” she illustrates. Her role encompasses more than just design; it involves envisioning future directions, engaging with customer feedback, and ensuring that each product aligns perfectly with market needs.
Producer: Corie Coutts // Creative Producer: Couture Culture and Arts (CCA) // Creative Director: Claris Minas Manglicmot // Production Manager: Debbie Holdner // Photographer: RJ Ensalada // Makeup Artist: Elizabeth Rios // Hair Stylist: Patricia Lugo // Runway Stylist: Andrea Chu // Production Assistant: Rellene B. White // Logistics & Trip Manager: Andre Natabio // Photo & video edits: Achive Solutions // Models: Emma Garay, Kayley Mansour, Olivia Giallanza, Holly Anderson and Katie Mcilroy
Community Engagement and Philanthropy
Integral to the ethos of La Coutts is its profound commitment to social responsibility and community engagement, exemplified by the La Coutts Toronto scholarship. This initiative is a crucial element in fostering the next generation of talent in the fashion industry. The scholarship was inspired by Corie Laraya-Coutts’ previous philanthropic efforts in the Philippines and her ongoing dedication to community service. Recognizing the hurdles that many budding designers face, from financial constraints to lack of access to industry networks, the scholarship aims to dismantle these barriers and offer a launchpad for creative and ambitious individuals.
The La Coutts Toronto scholarship provides financial aid, mentorship opportunities with seasoned professionals, internships within the fashion industry, and a chance to engage in hands-on projects that bring their theoretical knowledge to life. These elements are designed to equip recipients with the skills, experience, and confidence needed to succeed in the highly competitive world of fashion.
Furthermore, the scholarship fosters an environment of innovation and creativity, encouraging students to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of conventional design. By connecting students with fashion leaders and giving them access to exclusive workshops and seminars, La Coutts ensures that the scholarship recipients are well-prepared to enter the fashion industry with a distinctive edge.
Corie Laraya-Coutts often shares her vision for the scholarship, stating, “Our goal is to support talented folks right here in our neighborhood, helping them reach for the stars and grab onto those big dreams. It’s all about giving back and making a real difference in our community.” In doing so, La Coutts not only aids in developing the careers of individual designers but also contributes to the vibrancy and dynamism of the local and global fashion scenes.
The La Coutts Toronto scholarship is a cornerstone of the brand’s commitment to ‘fashion with a purpose.’ It reflects a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education and the arts, and it stands as an example of corporate responsibility in the fashion industry.
The Road Ahead for La Coutts
Looking to the future, La Coutts is poised for expansion beyond traditional fashion. Corie envisions the brand becoming an integral part of its customers’ lives. “We want to be a part of your everyday life, seamlessly blending into your lifestyle. Whether you’re jetting off on a plane, hitting the golf course, or strutting your stuff on the runway, we want La Coutts to be right there with you, adding a touch of style and convenience to every moment,” she shares excitedly.
Through the inspired leadership of Corie Laraya-Coutts, the brand is not only defining the cutting-edge handbag design but also building a legacy of empowerment, community support, and enduring techonoly. As it continues to grow and evolve, La Coutts is set to redefine the boundaries of what fashion accessories can represent, providing stylish solutions that meet the complex needs of modern lifestyles.
