By KOCO Knitting’s Founder and CEO Danielle Chiel

The vision for KOCO began to take shape, born from a desire to blend the time-honored tradition of hand-knitting with the fast-paced world of global fashion.

From the moment my grandmother first placed knitting needles in my hands, I felt a spark of creativity that would ignite a lifelong passion.

As I grew, so did my love for the craft – a love that would eventually lead me to the vibrant villages of rural Tamil Nadu, India, where I discovered a community of women whose skill and dedication to hand-knitting rivaled my own.

The Fabric of Creativity

My journey to founding KOCO was woven from the threads of my creative pursuits and academic background.

As a music scholar, I delved deep into the realms of sequential pedagogy and complex analysis, honing methodologies that, unbeknownst to me at the time, would later form the backbone of KOCO’s approach to hand-knitted garment production.

Sequential pedagogy, a teaching method that involves breaking down complex skills into smaller, more manageable steps and mastering each one before moving on to the next, proved to be a powerful tool in developing the skills of our artisans.

By applying the principles of sequential pedagogy to our training programs, we were able to guide our artisans through a series of progressively more challenging techniques, from basic stitches to intricate patterns and designs.

As their skills grew, so did their ability to bring even the most complex visions of designers to life. The rigor and discipline of my Ph.D. research, combined with my innate passion for innovation, laid the groundwork for a company that would redefine the possibilities of artisanal craftsmanship, empowering our artisans to take on any challenge a designer could envision.

Danielle Chiel and Her Love of Knitting

It was my love for knitting that truly brought this vision to life. 

I saw in the women artisans of Tamil Nadu a reflection of my own dedication to the craft, a shared language of creativity that transcended borders and cultures.

Together, we embarked on a journey to create something very special – not just beautiful garments, but a new way to collaborate between artisans and fashion brands.

The Synergy Between Artistry and Industry

At the heart of KOCO lies a commitment to bridging the gap between the artisanal world of hand-knitting and the fast-paced realm of global fashion.

I believe, by fostering close collaborations between our skilled artisans and visionary designers, we can create garments that are not only beautiful but also imbued with the spirit of creativity and craftsmanship.

Our partnerships with fashion brands are built on mutual respect, a shared passion for innovation, and a deep appreciation for hand-knitting. By working closely with designers to understand their unique visions and translating them into tangible, hand-crafted garments, we create truly one-of-a-kind pieces, each one carrying the story of the artisan who made it and the designer who imagined it.

The Ripple Effect of Success

As KOCO has grown, so too has the impact of our work. What began as a small collective of women artisans has blossomed into a thriving community of creators, each empowered by the opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage. Through our collaborations with fashion brands, we have developed the craft of hand-knitting and created a platform for our artisans to share their stories, talents, and dreams.

Yet, the true measure of our success lies in the garments we create and the ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond fashion. We have seen firsthand the transformative power of economic empowerment by providing our artisans with fair wages, educational opportunities, and a sense of pride in their work.

As these women gain financial independence, they invest in their families, their communities, and their futures, creating a cascade of positive change that touches countless lives.

A Vision for the Future of Handknitting – and More

As I look to the future of KOCO, I am filled with excitement and possibility. 

I see a world where the line between artisanal craftsmanship and high fashion is not just blurred but erased altogether – a world where the skills of our artisans are celebrated on runways and in boutiques around the globe.

More than that, I see a future where the power of creativity and collaboration can transform not just the fashion industry but the lives of women and communities worldwide. By continuing to forge partnerships built on mutual respect, shared passion, and a commitment to positive change, I believe that we can create a new business model—one that values artistry, empowerment, and sustainability in equal measure.

This is the vision that drives me, the purpose that fuels KOCO, and the promise I make to every artisan, designer, and brand that joins us on this extraordinary journey. Together, we are not just knitting garments – we are weaving a tapestry of creativity, collaboration, and change, one stitch at a time.By KOCO Knitting’s Founder and CEO