With the detriments of mass-produced apparel (and waste), slow fashion is growing in demand. And brands we love, like Kitty van Coesant, are pushing the boundaries of sustainable style. Through a holistic approach to designing and creating unique clothing and accessories, Kitty van Coesant continues to showcase how seamlessly style fuses with eco-conscious production.
This is precisely why we love to feature Kitty van Coesant's exclusive designs in our collection, and why we’re sharing our latest discussion on slow fashion and how her brand approaches inclusive design in sustainable fashion, all while maintaining social and environmental responsibility.
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Q. Can you tell us a bit about your journey? How did Kitty Van Coesant come to life?
Kitty van Coesant: Kitty van Coesant is the culmination of my lifelong devotion to creativity, craftsmanship, and high fashion. In the 1990s, my boutique in Amsterdam became the spot for people looking for something truly special. Highly elect, upper class, celebrities… even nobility.
All types of high society folks just flocked to the eclectic energy and bold, luxe collections in my boutique. That early success was the fire that fueled my love for creating my own pieces. And over the years, this spark evolved into something even more personal and tactile.
Right now, I’m living and working in the heart of Andalusia, which is just a magical place!
It’s a place that continues to inspire me every day with the colors and sounds, traditions, and landscapes that are inherent to the area. I guess you could say it’s a bit like a muse that’s helped Kitty Van Coesant grow into a knitwear-focused label.
It brings together decades of experience, an artist's eye for color, and a commitment to quality and, mostly, joy. I want every collection to be an invitation to slow down and wear something meaningful.
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Q. What’s your earliest memory of being drawn to fashion or design?
Kitty van Coesant: As a young girl, I was happiest with a pencil or paintbrush in hand, even while other children played outside. I was always drawing, painting, and creating. I didn't think of it as "fashion" at the time. I just had an innate urge to make beauty with my hands.
That quiet world of creativity felt like home to me. Looking back, it was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with design, that joy of transforming an idea into something tangible, expressive, and deeply personal.
Q. Can you walk us through your design process from concept to finished piece?
Kitty van Coesant: Everything begins with a feeling, a color, or a shape that captures my imagination. From there, I start knitting and designing the first idea myself. I love working directly with the yarn in my hands because it's a very intuitive and tactile process.
Once the concept takes form, I collaborate with a small network of incredibly skilled knitters, from Spain to Italy, who help bring each piece to life. It's a beautiful, shared process that’s grounded in tradition, trust, and craftsmanship. Every piece carries the energy of many hands, and I believe you can feel that when you wear it.
Q. Your pieces have such a tactile, timeless quality. Where do you typically draw inspiration from?
Kitty van Coesant: Inspiration finds me everywhere in the vibrant soul of Andalusia where I live — in the warmth of Spanish culture, the music, the sunlight, the hand-painted tiles.
I also still carry the colors, textures, and spiritual energy of my travels to India. It’s a country that deeply moved me and left a lasting imprint on my creative world.
But even small, everyday things can spark something, like a faded vintage garment, a wildflower growing by the road, or the way morning light touches a wall. My work is a tapestry of all of these impressions, layered, tactile, and emotional.
Q. Sustainability is clearly a core value for your brand. What does “sustainable fashion” mean to you personally?
Kitty van Coesant: For me, sustainability begins with intention. I carefully select the softest hand-dyed mohair yarns and vibrant silks, always working with trusted suppliers who share my values of quality, transparency, and respect for both people and the planet.
I'm endlessly inspired by the radiant colors of Andalusian sunsets, the shimmering coastline, and the intricate details of traditional ceramics, and I strive to honor that beauty by creating pieces that reflect it and are made to last.
True sustainability, to me, means valuing craftsmanship above mass production. It's about creating fewer, more meaningful pieces and garments that carry a story, feel special, and can be cherished over time.
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Q. What are some of the conscious choices you make when selecting materials or production methods?
Kitty van Coesant: I'm deeply selective when it comes to materials. I choose natural, high-quality fibers that not only feel beautiful on the skin but age gracefully. Most of my yarns are hand-dyed in small batches, using low-impact dyes to help reduce waste and ensure each color story remains unique and personal.
And I avoid overproduction entirely. Many of my pieces are made in very limited numbers or even as one-of-a-kind creations. I also work closely with small, family-run ateliers in Spain and Italy who produce everything by hand using time-honored techniques. This slow approach ensures every piece is made with care and consciousness rather than speed and volume.
Q. How do you hope your work contributes to a more mindful or ethical fashion industry?
Kitty van Coesant: I hope my work serves as a quiet reminder that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible, and that we can create with care, honor tradition, and still bring something fresh and inspiring into the world. Every piece I design is made slowly, thoughtfully, and with deep respect for the earth and the people involved in the process.
My wish is that future generations inherit not just a planet that has been treated with kindness, but also a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship, individuality, and the soulful power of handmade things. If my pieces can encourage even a small shift toward more conscious, poetic ways of dressing and living, then I feel I've contributed something meaningful.
Q. The quality of craftsmanship is evident in your work. Why is preserving artisanal techniques important to you?
Kitty van Coesant: Artisanal techniques carry stories that no machine can replicate. Every handmade detail, stitch, pattern, subtle imperfection holds the presence of the maker. It's a living expression of heritage, care, and time.
Preserving these techniques is my way of honoring that lineage and keeping soulfulness in fashion. I believe we need more of that: more hands, more heart, and more humanity in the things we wear.
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Q. What do you hope people feel when they wear your pieces?
Kitty van Coesant: I want people to feel special, effortlessly confident, and deeply comfortable like they're wrapped in something both beautiful and meaningful. My pieces are designed to bring a little softness and joy into someone's day. When someone slips on a cardigan or a ribboned silk necklace, I hope it feels like a quiet celebration of who they are.
Q. Are there any projects, collections, or collaborations on the horizon you’re excited about?
Kitty van Coesant: Always! We're constantly dreaming up new collections. Some are playful, some are poetic, and I'm especially excited about upcoming collaborations with a few inspiring influencers (though I can't reveal names just yet). There's always something brewing behind the scenes! Each new project is a chance to explore fresh ideas, new textures, and joyful expressions of style.
Shop Kitty Van Coesant at RAREBIRD Boutique!
At RAREBIRD, our mission is to bring exclusive pieces straight to you. We feature curated collections and accessories from slow fashion brands, including Kitty van Coesant. Browse our shop or visit us in Sarasota and find the perfect addition to your unique style.
