Firstly, let’s understand what Koii is all about, as I see two individuals and none carries it as a surname.
No, it’s the name of a typical fish from Japan. Its meaning, hope in the midst of nowhere or chaos, seemed great to us to define the image of the era we live in. Besides, it’s a symbol of luck and abundance, with just one i, but since there are two of us, we doubled it. We are actually Eduardo Ramos and Enzo García, perhaps not very fashionable surnames (they laugh as in almost the entire interview). Koii ended up being our stage name, people started associating it as a surname, and we no longer deny it.
How long have you been operating as the Koii brand?
Around 15 years. We have known each other since then, both of us are from Barquisimeto, in the state of Lara. Eduardo started in the fashion world first while I [Enzo] studied architecture and then fell in love with design. We started like this, supporting each other and attending all the events we were invited to together. In one of them, we were told that if we wanted to participate, we had to do it under the same name. That’s how Koii was born, and ever since, we have been established as fashion professionals. We have a physical headquarters in Venezuela, and from there, we branch out internationally.
What are you presenting as part of the International Fashion Fair? (the fashion show was last night)
A collection called Caribbean Pearls. (Silence). We would prefer for you to see it, but basically, we are offering the audience what we are known for: a lot of textures, a lot of handwork, plenty of embroidery, and a strong emphasis on the female body. We love for women to express their sensuality and femininity through our designs.
Your breakthrough came from the 2019 Miss International pageant. Was it a turning point for Koii?
Absolutely. It happened in Japan, and we won the award for the best dress, although Venezuela didn’t win the title. Then, in 2023, also in Japan, Miss Venezuela won while wearing one of our dresses, which was once again considered the best. We had already worked internationally before 2019, but that success opened more doors for us worldwide. We have dressed beauty queens in Canada, Spain – specifically in Barcelona – Africa, England, almost all of Latin America, and the United States. The market expanded for us.
A brand synonymous with elegance and grandeur. Efraín Medina, adviser of the Tenerife Island Council, mentions this. Do you agree?
Yes, we create grand gala dresses that always aim to catch the eye, typically designed for stages and spectacles. Venezuelan women are very striking, and it’s common for them to wear these elaborate designs to events. They may seem a bit over the top, but within our culture, it is normal. Girls aspire to be like Miss Venezuela at 15 years old and want to look like a beauty queen. When dealing with clients abroad, we have had to adapt to different cultures. For instance, in Spain, they usually request more modest designs, less bling, more of a subtle style. A few months ago, we catered to a girl from the Canary Islands who was having her first communion. She wanted her dress to reflect both cultures – Spanish-style fabrics like chiffon, with some crystal details typical of Venezuelan design. She was very excited, and so was her mum, who mentioned that all her friends in Canarias would be amazed by the dress. She was overjoyed.
It’s notable that you have 600,000 followers on social media. What is your take on this?
Marketing is always beneficial because it helps brands gain visibility, and social media plays a significant role in this. We are recognised worldwide, but it depends on the type of social network. For example, in Spain, Instagram has been popular particularly within the last one to two years and aligns well with our work as it is highly aesthetic. Previously, it wasn’t as accepted in Venezuela, unlike in Brazil, where some people have five million followers. It’s astonishing, but it also attracts many haters. Social media has become your identity, a part of you, your ID. It’s great, but there are also downsides. If handled professionally, it’s beneficial; otherwise, it could lead to a catastrophe.
Does your profession face a threat from artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence may be able to generate designs, but it can never replace the craftsmanship. Apart from being designers, we are artisans, and each piece springs from our minds in the moment, they flow as we feel. An artist conveys their emotions, something that AI won’t be able to replicate. It might be able to mimic a sketch accurately, but not the essence of creating it. We know it’s not science fiction, and one day they might be able to do what we do, but not yet.
Are there opportunities for business partnerships with Tenerife?
Yes, of course. The Fashion Fair is a multicultural and multi-sector meeting of artists from around the globe. There are even participants from Bali. The goal is to connect and forge future business relationships. We see this potential also with the Island because it is truly magnificent. Who wouldn’t want to come here?
Does Enzo’s background as an architect bring a different touch to Koii’s design?
Architecture provides a unique perspective, always striving for perfection in every axis and every line, a characteristic inherent to this profession where architecture is also considered as design.
The connection between the Canary Islands and Venezuela is quite strong. Did you have any reference to this?
Of course. My best friend (Eduardo) is of Venezuelan descent with roots in the Canary Islands; his father is from Tenerife and his mother from La Gomera. Venezuelans have grown up with Spanish, Italian, Portuguese… Many cultures from different countries and of course, also the Canarian culture. Quibor, in our state, Lara, is a city of Canarians, particularly in agriculture. They cultivate onions in areas the size of the Island. We feel at home and many things here are reminiscent of our country. It’s like Venezuela, but smaller.
Do you often design for competitions such as beauty pageants? Does that hold any special significance?
We study each competition and its country. For example, Miss Universe is a purely American product and Miss World is British. They have their own specificities and protocols, much like the Japanese culture, which is unique. Each one has guidelines, parameters that we must adhere to. Part of Koii’s global success lies in being able to adapt to each reality. Both times we won Miss International, the dress was a tribute to Japan by using pearls, their main resource, symbolizing a bit of romanticism – a touch of doll-like and sweet woman – or by using the stole, reminiscent of kimono sleeves.
Do you think your designs objectify women or not?
No. A person considers themselves an object because, perhaps, they might be or have been treated as one at some point, leading them to feel that way. But a beauty pageant is meant to boost self-esteem, for a woman who should be beautiful but also intelligent and possess many other qualities. In Venezuela, they are taught editing and public speaking in English and Spanish, protocol, etiquette, runway walking, makeup, and styling. The term “doll” is a synonym for being very beautiful. The interpretation of “doll” is a cultural matter.
Does your clothing follow seasons?
No, we live in a tropical country where there are no distinct seasons. Winter and summer are the same. We adapt our work for other countries where seasons exist.
What is the current situation in Venezuela? Have you ever thought about leaving the country?
No, we have considered expanding the brand, but always from Venezuela. For what we create, Venezuela is the hub and retains all its magic. The clothing is aimed at Venezuelan women and our name says it all: Koii, hope in the midst of nothingness or chaos.
