No tags yet.
Stepping into Caryn Wilensky's tiny showroom situated in Seapoint is like being transported back in time to the decadence of Marie Antoinette's France. Stocked like a treasure chest to the brim with every design imaginable, from ballet pumps, espadrilles to boots.
Coast & Koi was created in 2005 with the aim of creating a chic and stylish, proudly South African brand. They have since established themselves as a mark of quality and distinction with exclusive buyers and at international events such as the Cape Town Design Indaba, where they exhibit annually. Caryn goes on to say "We fuse together the functionality of a comfortable shoe with stylish and original design, by utilizing high quality fabrics and design led production. Our vision of the African renaissance is an essential component of who we are."
Speaking to Caryn Wilensky, she tells me that she worked as a fashion buyer for Gucci and Louis Féraud at Holt Renfrew department store in Vancouver for 10 years. One can see why the house of Gucci would have snapped her up. Caryn's eye for detail and her use of colour, beads, material and sequins are astonishingly beautiful.
When asked why she chose to keep her operation relatively small, Caryn answered " I don't have the stress and huge responsibilities associated with running a large enterprise, I can lock up my small showroom and go away when I choose". Caryn's fairytale like designs come from her exuberant personality. She oozes charm and self confidence with a good understanding of the metaphysical environment.
Caryn Wilensky pictured left with Nicolene Richards from Fifty Fabulous.
Some of Coast & Koi's decadent offerings.
Recently Caryn's shoes have been featured in European Vogue Magazine. VOGUE - COAST AND KOI & REEM ACRA COLLABORATION. Coast & Koi will also be exhibiting at Decorex (27 April - 30 April 2017) and Design Indaba. Coast & Koi will also be releasing a mens range soon, beautifully made mens slippers, which I had the privilege of trying on. Caryn is also venturing into bags, cushions and accessories.
If you want a designer once off made pair of shoes, Caryn can be reached by email: wilensky@pixie.co.za, or on the following numbers: +27 72 290 2822+27 21 434 7597. Coast & Koi work exclusively by appointment only. website: http://www.coastandkoi.com.