Esther Konan: Fashion as an ode to her roots

Her creations make her one of the priestesses of an ancestral Ivorian heritage whose richness goes without saying. A story told on clothes that can be put on according to life’s moments: this is the aim of this quest for the 25-year-old designer. In the deepest sense of the word, her inspirations are drawn from both earth and mother.

Her mother, her muse

Who better than the queen of her heart, the one who breathed life into her, to pass on her values? Esther has always and forever made her mother her muse. The source of the identity of her projects. Kaema and Dimanche Après-Midi are the two universes she has created and which she cherishes through a precise storytelling at the reveal of each collection. It is not without wonder that she speaks about the muse of her ideas: “I am very admiring of her versatility in clothing. She has always had the right look for every occasion”.

Dressing up singular moments of life

It is easy to see why clothing is useful in the designer’s mind. There is certainly a commendable sustainable dimension. But in 2023 upcycling is good. Making it unique through an inspiration that does not trifle with its essence is better. She continues: “That’s what I’m trying to convey: to create a versatile and sharp wardrobe for every moment of my clients’ lives.” Esther already knows how to stand out. Her personal story can thus be interpreted by everyone in a singular way. For through the premise of Esther’s intimate story, those who wear her creations reinvent and live their own.

Le Rêve d’une Reine (Queen’s Dream): a garment on the edge of tradition and renewal

In Esther’s conception, fashion is the mouthpiece of her heritage with a double connotation: cultural and personal. By telling the story of her mother, she also integrates the story of an ethnic group where textures and colours are mixed. In one of her latest campaigns with Studio Iconographia, she developed a collection for Kaema. The very essence of the brand is a tribute to the Ivory Coast, where around her storytellings, we travel with a sense of pride. The result is Le Rêve d’une Reine, an Autumn/Winter 2023/2024 collection that blows in a wind of freedom. She explains: “The scenography is in the form of three paintings that draw the story of a people: flight, abundance, the dream of a Queen. The collection is an ode to the women of yesterday, today and tomorrow who dare, fall and rise again like my mother.”

Today, as a woman, she takes pride in her heritage and tries to do everything possible. Esther has decided to devote herself fully to her passion. Investing full time in the development of her brands, the designer goes from one popup store to another in Paris to present her new products. Once again, there is no miraculous elixir to achieve her goals. The potion combines passion, determination and talent, of course.

Fashion Editorial by Miss Pineapple Magazine
Le Rêve d’une Reine/A Queen’s Dream

Through a fashion editorial as singular as the brand Kaema, the editorial staff of Miss Pineapple has been pleased to reinterpret the universe of the collection Le Rêve d’Une Reine while respecting its spirit. Enjoy!

Models: Jey and Yanis.
Video: Wessame.

You can find Esther’s creations at the following summer popups:

5-6 May – MonaYola, 74 rue d’Aboukir, 75002 Paris
13-14 May – La Popup Galerie, 66 rue Charlot, 75003 Paris
9-10 June – Boutique Créateurs, 76 rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris