In an industry where trends often overshadow substance, KÔYÉ is a breath of fresh air. When Alicia Issaka first founded her Paris-based clothing brand KÔYÉ in 2019, her mission was simple: to create garments that redefined the meaning of modern femininity in fashion. Five years later, KÔYÉ continues to uphold this tenet, feeding into their objective of offering sophisticated pieces that are as much about story and identity as they are about style. The brand’s philosophy was first inspired by Issaka’s life in Paris. Her multi-cultural upbringing, along with the city’s timeless elegance and its relationship with the fashion industry fed into the future vision of KÔYÉ. With a focus on artisanal craftsmanship, sustainability, and storytelling through design, KÔYÉ is reshaping the narrative of modern fashion.
“To me, a garment is never just an item of clothing,” Issaka shares. “It’s a form of self-expression — a way to reveal yourself to the world with both strength and grace.”
Reimagining Contemporary Women
The brand’s designs embody the modern woman throughout life, no matter the person, place, or time. By playing with versatile fabrics such as velvet and lace, KÔYÉ’s pieces are crafted to stay timeless, transitioning from day to night with ease.
One of its mainstay designs, the Samarcande velvet dress, exudes the idea of elegance. The distinctive high neck lends the dress a refined appeal, while its flared hem enhances the feminine silhouette. A row of gold buttons lines the front, adding a bold pop to the graceful design. KÔYÉ’s Hérat top is also a prime example of the brand’s versatility. Most notably, the piece features a removable high collar — a tasteful detail that can be styled for a more structured look or taken off to reveal a sultry V-neckline.
Both the Samarcande and Hérat styles are reconceptualised in the latest collection, La Muse. The newest addition to KÔYÉ’s portfolio is a tribute to the women who have shaped Issaka’s life. Beloved KÔYÉ designs are reinvented in new colourways and patterns, allowing each wearer to add depth to their everyday wardrobe.
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A Sustainable Vision
KÔYÉ’s commitment to quality goes beyond aesthetics. The brand is not only about celebrating women, but also about living consciously. Their garments are made from sustainable fabrics sourced locally from Spain. From there, pieces are meticulously crafted in small artisanal workshops in Barcelona. Fabrics are chosen not only for their quality but for their ability to flatter diverse skin tones and body types.
The brand also produces limited collections to minimise waste, with the intention of creating clothing that transcends a single fashion season. It is this conscious approach by the brand that challenges the norms of the mainstream fashion industry while maintaining standards of quality and comfort.
In Issaka’s words: “We’re challenging the traditional fashion narrative,” she explains. “Our goal is to create clothing that empowers, that tells a story, and that allows women to feel authentically themselves.” This is the essence of KÔYÉ — fashion with a deeper purpose that empowers women and respects the world around us.
The Future of KÔYÉ
As the brand continues to grow, Issaka remains firmly grounded in its core philosophy — creating timeless fashion that exemplifies the modern woman. In the years ahead, she envisions expanding KÔYÉ’s reach while staying true to the values that set it apart — authenticity, sustainability, and timeless design.
“Fashion isn’t just about what you wear,” Issaka says. “It’s about how you feel in your own skin. At KÔYÉ, we want every woman to feel confident, celebrated, and unstoppable.” KÔYÉ’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of fashion done with purpose — reminding us that great design is as much about the stories it tells as the style it delivers.
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