Founded by two brothers, Alastair and Jimmy Scott, Koy Clothing brings the beauty of Africa to the world through ethical and sustainable fashion. At the heart of the brand is a commitment to empowering the African continent, supporting local artisans, and promoting eco-conscious practices - all while offering timeless, luxury pieces with a uniquely African twist.
Growing up in Kenya, Alastair and Jimmy were surrounded by the stunning Kenyan Kikoy fabric, known for its iconic striped pattern. This fabric is an integral part of Kenyan culture, used in everything from clothing to home decor. Inspired by its vibrant colors and rich heritage, the brothers embarked on a journey to introduce Kikoy to the global fashion market in a way it had never been seen before.
The turning point came when Alastair, looking for a special birthday gift for Jimmy, decided to create a jacket made from Kikoy fabric. This sparked a passion for turning Kikoy into a premium fabric suitable for high-quality fashion. With their dream in hand, they invested their savings in their first batch of jackets and waistcoats, marking the beginning of Koy Clothing.
Sustainability is a core value at Koy Clothing. The brand has pledged to donate 20% of its profits to charitable projects across Africa, focusing on supporting local communities, wildlife conservation and environmental protection. To date, Koy Clothing has donated £50,000 to these causes, making a tangible impact on the lives of those in need.
The Kikoy fabric used in Koy Clothing’s designs is hand-woven by artisans in Nairobi, Kenya. Led by Rose, a talented weaver who started her business after retirement, a team of 10 skilled artisans creates each piece of fabric with incredible attention to detail. This partnership not only supports local craftsmanship but also helps to provide a steady income for the artisans, improving their lives and the lives of their families.
Koy Clothing is committed to investing in the future of Africa. Through their partnership with the East Africa Character Development Trust (EACDT), the brand has made a £30,000 donation to support educational programs that help children develop confidence, a work ethic, and the skills needed for a better future. The initiative has already impacted over 2,000 children, equipping them with the tools to tackle pressing social issues such as gender-based violence, crime, and drug abuse.
In line with its sustainability efforts, Koy Clothing has adopted a plastic-free packaging policy. With Kenya’s plastic bag ban in place since 2017, the brand was inspired to find eco-friendly alternatives for packaging. Koy Clothing now uses recyclable, reusable fabric bags for their garments, reducing waste and promoting a cleaner environment.
Koy Clothing is also dedicated to long-term environmental sustainability. The brand is currently working on a project to build a sand dam in Kenya - an innovative solution that will provide local communities with a year-round supply of clean water while improving soil quality for agriculture. This initiative fits perfectly with the brand's mission to make a positive impact on both the environment and the people of Africa.
Koy Clothing is more than just a fashion brand. It’s a symbol of empowerment, sustainability, and a deep love for Africa. By investing in Koy Clothing, you’re not only supporting a brand that creates beautiful, premium garments but also helping to empower local artisans, promote ethical practices, and contribute to meaningful social change.