KÔYÉ is more than a fashion label. It’s a story woven through textiles, heritage, and emotion. Shaped by a Parisian childhood, a multicultural background, and a passion for meaningful design, its founder brings together timeless elegance and bold global influences. From the tactile memories of childhood fabrics to encounters across the world, she creates pieces that carry stories, confidence, and sustainability at their core. In this interview, she shares the inspirations, philosophies, and personal moments that define her creative journey.

Sandra Myhrberg: How would you describe your childhood growing up in Paris? Do you think it influenced your career path? Did you always know from a young age that you wanted to become a fashion designer?
Alicia Issaka: I grew up in a lively and multicultural Parisian neighborhood, surrounded by strong, elegant women,my mother, especially, was a huge influence. She used to take me to fabric stores, letting me touch the silks, the lace, the kinds of cotton. I didn’t know then that I would become a designer, but I knew how clothes could make someone feel powerful and beautiful. That early emotional connection to fabric definitely shaped everything I do today.

SM: How did your upbringing in Paris and your multicultural background shape your creative vision and the designs you create for KÔYÉ?
AI: Paris gave me a deep respect for timeless style, for cuts that flatter without shouting. But my multicultural background taught me to embrace contrasts,colors, textures, stories. At KÔYÉ, you’ll see that blend: silhouettes with classic elegance, combined with bold prints, unexpected details, and textiles that reflect stories from around the world. It’s this balance between heritage and modernity that defines our creative DNA.

SM: You describe KÔYÉ as more than just a brand,it's a story told through textiles. Can you share the moment you knew you wanted to create this kind of fashion experience?
AI: It happened during a trip to Ephèse in Turkey. I came across a woman wearing a traditional outfit made from the softest handwoven fabric. She told me the story behind how her mother had gifted it to her when she got married. That conversation stayed with me. I realized I didn’t want to design just for aesthetics, I wanted to create pieces that hold emotion, memories, and meaning. That’s how KÔYÉ was born.

SM: You grew up in Paris but now live in Barcelona. What would you say is the biggest difference between fashion in Paris and fashion in Barcelona?
AI: Parisian fashion is all about refinement and discretion. In Barcelona, there's a lighter, more relaxed energy in how people dress, it's confident but less rigid. Living between the two has helped me develop pieces that combine both: structured elegance with a sense of ease and sensuality.

SM: Can you tell us about a specific experience or encounter during your travels that deeply influenced your design philosophy?
AI: In Panama, I watched a group of women wearing vibrant fabrics with complete confidence. The prints were bold, the shapes were fluid, and there was something deeply unapologetic about it all. That trip reminded me that clothes should empower. That fashion isn’t just about looking good, it’s about owning your presence.

SM: KÔYÉ blends Parisian elegance with sustainability, two concepts that can sometimes feel at odds. How do you strike a balance between the two?
AI: For me, elegance is about intention, not excess. True luxury is a well-made piece you can wear for years, not just a season. We produce in small quantities, using high-quality, responsibly sourced fabrics. It's not always easy, but it’s essential. I’d rather create fewer pieces that matter than chase trends that disappear.

SM: How do you choose your fabrics, and what role does sustainability play in that process?
AI: The fabric is where everything begins. I touch it, test how it falls, how it moves. I source everything locally from Spain, working with suppliers who align with our values. We avoid synthetic blends as much as possible, favoring natural or low-impact textiles that age gracefully. Sustainability isn't a trend for us, it’s a design principle.

SM: The Samarcande velvet dress and the Hérat top are stunning examples of duality in design. What’s the story behind these signature pieces?
AI: Samarcande was the first dress I ever imagined, it’s our essence: elegant but powerful, structured yet fluid. The velvet gives it a rich, wintery presence, but the cut makes it surprisingly versatile. Hérat was designed with transformation in mind: a removable collar, jewel-like buttons… it’s a top you can wear to a meeting and still feel fabulous at dinner. Both are about adaptability, the wardrobe of a woman in motion.

SM: La Muse pays tribute to women who inspire you. Can you tell us about a muse who had a profound impact on this collection?
AI: One of my earliest muses is Audrey Hepburn, who worked in cinema and always dressed like a movie star. She taught me that elegance and ambition were not opposites. She would pair sharp tailoring with the softest fabrics, always in color. That mix of strength and softness, that’s what I tried to capture in La Muse.

SM: If you could see KÔYÉ worn by any woman in the world, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
AI: Honestly, Grace Kelly. She embodies everything KÔYÉ stands for: intelligence, strength, presence, and grace. She knows how to make fashion feel both meaningful and effortless. Seeing her in one of our pieces would be the ultimate affirmation of what we’re building.