FASHION – COAST & KOI
I absolutely love the thrill of hunting down that special something while shopping—it reminds me of the joy of discovering hidden gems when I travel! I become a little obsessed with finding something unique, different, or traditional to wherever I’m visiting.
Many years ago, on a trip to Morocco, I knew I was going to find that “something special.” The Souk in Casablanca became my treasure hunt! A massive maze of stalls bursting with anything and everything you could imagine—it was overwhelming, but I was on a mission.
My goal? Moroccan babouche slippers. When I finally found them, I was over the moon. The colors were bold and vibrant, the design simple and elegant, and they fit like a dream. I didn’t think twice about my luggage—I bought eight pairs on the spot. I had to get as many colors as I could. Quest complete.
Fast forward to today: a friend wearing the most beautiful babouches gave me the name “Coast & Koi.” I was intrigued—could these be made locally? Right here in Cape Town?
So, by appointment only, I followed the trail to what felt like an Aladdin’s cave. I was stunned. Tucked away in the Mother City was a little souk no bigger than a garage—but filled with magic.
There were kimonos, silk outfits, bags, scarves, and to my absolute delight—the most exquisite babouches I’d ever seen. Each pair was handcrafted, one-of-a-kind, and full of personality. They were pure art—and suddenly, I didn’t need to go back to Morocco.
Caryn Wilensky, the founder of Coast & Koi, is a true creative force. She’s a visionary, turning simple slippers into show-stopping works of art. Her designs are full of eclectic flair, and her babouches are a perfect blend of comfort, style, and laid-back elegance.
The moment I slipped my feet into a pair, I was spellbound. They felt like jeweled treasures. I loved them so much, I had to write about the experience—and just like that, we decided to do a shoot.
On shoot day, Caryn styled everything beautifully. Silk, reversible kimonos thrown over wide-legged silk pants, all in a riot of rich, bold colors—reds with purples, greens with turquoise, pinks with yellow. The vibe was pure boudoir fantasy, and the story came alive with every look.
Caryn brings a special kind of magic—je ne sais quoi—to anything she touches. I turn to Coast & Koi any time I want to zhuzh up an outfit. And that’s what I love most: it’s wearable art with soul.
Photographer on shoot day Angie Lazaro
QueenB!……..Abuzzing off
Coast & Koi
Tel: 072 290 2822
2A Vredefort
269 Beach Road
Email: caryn@coastandkoi.com
Facbook: coast and koi shoes
Instagram: @coast_and_koi
