“Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere” - Carl Sagan

Caryn Wilensky’s eye for exquisite texture, colour, pattern and her aesthetic is nothing but exceptional and unique.  She has encapsulated Coast & Koi shoes into an ever evolving tapestry of every day essentials and formal wear.  Each Coast & Koi pair of shoes is hand crafted, one-of-a-kind and can be tailor made to your every desire. Coast & Koi truly emulates a vision of enchanting beauty in every shade, while always embracing a touch of whimsy and humour to each piece. 

At Coast & Koi, we are always so humbled by our amazing community’s constant support and encouragement.

We were lucky enough to have a fun and retro inspired photo-shoot with the lovely Photographer Angie Lazaro and Matanna Katz who modelled for us in this shoot.  

“To my delightful surprise, in my very building where I have lived for eight years, tucked out of sight is a marvellous place filled with treasures that dreams of made-of. Lush fabrics, textures, colour, tassels and all things magnificent. Unbeknownst to me this is the home of Coast and Koi, babouche slippers – when I first laid eyes on them, I was mesmerised, transported into a world of fantasy and dreams – I was in love. My love affair continues, they make my heart flutter."

"Their creator, Caryn, is a treasure herself filled with inspiration and creativity, ideas and excitement bringing romance and a change of pace into our lives… and there I was, invited to partake in the creation of images, I floated into a magical place where all things are possible. A feast for the eyes, my camera adored every item.  Matanna, our model, adorned in one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces radiated an other-worldly essence, where faeries play and frolic. This was a shoot like no other, capturing and holding the magic with every camera click - immortalised.”

- Angie Lazaro

Angie is a blend of interesting experiences, born to Catalan parents which came to South Africa via Brazil in the 60s, she grew-up among the eclectic mix of cultures. Angie is fascinated by all things creative, early on she ventured into fashion design then journalism and photography. Photography has been her anchor, working for various magazine titles and clients.

Starting with black and white photography, watching the magic of the image emerge from trays of chemicals bathed in the red glow of the darkroom – she was hooked, taking her camera wherever she went. She is also a collector of degrees and is currently sitting for her Bachelor of Visual Arts (Unisa) whilst relishing in creating in different ways – she explores the conceptual bringing layers of meaning to the visual sentiment that is art.

“In the midst of a pandemic, during lockdown, a friend of mine had suggested to contact a wonderful woman named Caryn, the founder of Coast & Koi shoes.  I reached out to her and made a time to visit her.  Walking into her Aladdin’s Cave of Wanders was a complete escape from reality.  We dressed up, tried on Coast & Koi Shoes, had a mini photo-shoot, drank hot spiced cinnamon tea and indulged in Medjool dates. This entire experience completely enchanted me and my world."  

"Most importantly I connected with and made a very special friend, Caryn, who has only shown me such kindness, love, generosity support and guidance.  It has been an honour to work with her, spend time together and to proudly endorse Coast & Koi shoes.  My collection of shoes grows constantly and each one has it’s own unique look and feel.  To me fashion can be an extension of yourself and a beautiful form of self expression."

"Each pair of Coast and Koi shoes that I own represents a part of my personality and a representation of my unique style.  I will be forever grateful for Caryn and her brand for coming into my life and adding so much joy and happiness to it."

- Matanna Katz

Matanna Katz is a Visual Storyteller, Art Director, Photographer and Food/Prop/Floral/Interior/Fashion Stylist.  She resides in Cape Town after moving back from New York City, where she worked for a food, Photography and community based business named Sunday Suppers.  Previously she worked as the Art Director for the Expresso Show, where she was featured on live television and Top Billing on SABC 3. 

Matanna is also the Co-Founder of a secondhand clothing company named Finders on Instagram which she runs with her best friend and business partner Bianca van Rensburg.  Matanna is passionate about design, art, fashion and interiors.  She is also a food enthusiast and flower/foliage gatherer.  She resonates with visual storytelling, and believes that narratives in all forms awaken our imagination, curiosity and embolden introspection.  

You can find Matanna on Instagram : @matannakatz & @finders.co

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