Fashion, at its best, tells a story and few brands weave a tale quite like Koy Clothing.
Founded by brothers Alastair and Jimmy Scott, Koy is a menswear and accessories brand with a mission rooted far deeper than tailoring. It’s not simply about selling sharp linens or rugged duffels , it’s about transforming lives in Africa, one shirt, belt, or weekender bag at a time.
The company’s lightbulb moment wasn’t born in a boardroom. It grew from a lifetime of connection. The Scott brothers were raised in Kenya, and their childhoods were shaped by vibrant colours, bold fabrics, and a palpable sense of community. Later, while working in the UK, they saw the disconnect — fashion felt transactional, detached from meaning. What if, they wondered, clothing could reflect the culture they loved while supporting the continent that raised them?
With that vision, Koy Clothing was born. The name pays homage to the “kikoy”, a traditional Kenyan textile known for its softness, colour, and versatility. Today, Koy handcrafts this fabric into its designs – not just as an aesthetic flourish, but as a tactile link to East African heritage.
Every product is designed with classic British style and a distinctly African twist – think linen shirts, duffle bags lined with kikoy stripes, or belts that echo Maasai bead designs. But what truly distinguishes the brand is its charitable model. From the outset, the brothers pledged to donate 20% of Koy’s profits to grassroots projects in Africa. Over the years, they’ve supported clean water initiatives, school programs, and sustainable infrastructure – raising thousands for communities across Kenya, including their most recent effort to build a sand dam offering fresh water access for rural villages.
Koy’s ethos is one of intention: design beautifully, operate ethically, and give generously.
The Canvas Weekender Bag in Tan: Rugged Luxury Meets Ethical Detail
Which brings us to the item that sparked this review — the Canvas Weekender Bag in Tan. Sent over for trial, it arrived encased in a soft protective wrap, which revealed not just a travel bag, but something more tactile and emotive. The scent of natural canvas and leather was immediate and inviting — earthy, rich, a little sun-warmed. If bags had personality, this one would feel like adventure with a quiet sense of dignity.
Visually, it’s striking without being showy. The tan canvas is warm and neutral, with subtle texture that suggests hard-wearing longevity. Reinforced leather trims — in a mocha-like tone — add contrast and strength, while brass fittings give just a touch of vintage elegance. The proportions are generous enough for a weekend getaway, but refined enough to pass for a smart carry-on or work-trip holdall.
Inside, the lining steals the show: bright kikoy fabric in sunset hues dances across the inner pockets. It’s not just pretty — it’s a nod to the brand’s Kenyan roots and a pleasant surprise every time you reach for your charger or sunglasses. The design is perfectly practical: internal zip pocket, generous storage compartments, and sturdy side clips to reshape the silhouette depending on your packing style.
Sustainability is key to this bag’s appeal. Koy uses eco-conscious canvas and ethically sourced leather, and the entire production process prioritises longevity over mass manufacture. Nothing here feels disposable or rushed. This is a bag made to endure years of airport sprints, train commutes, or safari side trips — developing a patina along the way that adds to its charm.
From a business traveller’s perspective, the Weekender hits a rare sweet spot. It’s formal enough to accompany smart tailoring, casual enough for denim and boots. It fits in the overhead locker, slides under a hotel desk, and feels appropriate whether you’re at a conference or checking into a boutique lodge in Nairobi.
But beyond function, there’s soul in this piece. It doesn’t shout about its credentials — it lets the stitching, the weight, and the cultural detailing speak for itself. And perhaps that’s Koy’s quiet superpower. This is fashion with feeling, infrastructure with identity.
Why It Matters
In a sea of global brands tapping into heritage aesthetics, Koy stands apart by giving back to the heritage itself. It’s not appropriation — it’s appreciation, built into the very business model. Their charity promise isn’t a seasonal campaign or a side project, it’s a permanent commitment. And for professionals in travel, hospitality, or cultural industries, that offers alignment: style that supports, purchases that uplift.
The Scott brothers have proven that a small brand with a big heart can find loyal followers — not just for the look, but for the message. As of this writing, Koy has been featured in Macy’s, Nordstrom, and John Lewis, and continues expanding its offerings with pieces for women and unisex styling.
When I first unpacked it, I expected a beautiful piece of travel gear. What I got was a sensory experience — the smell, the texture, the colour, the story and each time I’ve carried it since, I’ve felt connected not just to my destination, but to the journey behind the design.
