In 2009, Doris Margel discovered Burkina Faso and fell in love with its landscapes, culture, and fashion. Back in Switzerland, she embarked on an entrepreneurial adventure, founding her own handbag brand in 2016. In her workshop, she creates handbags, travel bags, backpacks, and satchels with a commitment to quality. The name kokoso pays homage to Bobo Dioulasso, the city of production. "Kôkô" refers to an old neighborhood, and "so" means "house" in Dioula, the language spoken in Bobo Dioulasso, hence the translation "Koko's house."

Doris Margel

Doris Margel-Hoppe, a German artist trained at the Berlin Academy of Fine Arts, initially focused on engraving and crafts before exhibiting in Germany and Switzerland.

In 2008, her encounter with African dance in Geneva connected her to Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, where she forged strong ties. Inspired by wax fabrics, red earth, and human warmth, she developed a multicultural and spiritual artistic approach.

Her expertise in printing techniques from her experience as an engraving artist fuels her passion for textile creation. Today, she designs unique bags, reflecting her journey, her curiosity, and her love for life.

The Couturiers

Zoumana SANOU

Zoumana Sanou, a master tailor and exceptional craftsman in Bobo Dioulasso, has been collaborating with Doris since 2020 on the creation of kokoso collections. Based on the designs and measurements she provides him, he brings the first pieces to life, meticulously crafting samples and prototypes.

As Doris's stays progress, their exchanges become more refined and the models are perfected, leading to the development of confidential series, designed to be tested as closely as possible with customers.

Today, thanks to kokoso, Zoumana works from his workshop, equipped with an industrial sewing machine, fully embodying the richness of an artisanal dialogue between local savoir-faire and an international vision.

Moussa Issa Dembele

Moussa Issa Dembele, a tailor from the Bwaba ethnic group, joined Kokoso in 2016. His workshop is located near Doris's host family, where fabrics and materials are stored. Coming from a tradition where craftsmanship and music are intertwined, he contributes to the creation of bags with skill and cultural roots.

Drissa Diao

Drissa Dao, a musician from Bobo Dioulasso and a professional tailor, met Doris Margel when he was looking for a music teacher for his niece. A passionate designer, he participated in a fashion show at the French Institute with his own creations. Since 2011, he has faithfully collaborated with Kokoso, creating his first fabric bags alongside Doris. Dedicated and persistent, he does not hesitate to work day and night to finalize the designs, while experimenting with her on new techniques to reinforce the bags' strength and shape.

Issiaka Diarra

Issiaka Diarra is a talented tailor from Bobo Dioulasso, specializing in the creation of custom-made bags from GAFREH fabrics and recycled plastic bags. He made history with kokoso in 2009 by producing the very first small series of bags. In addition to his craft, Issiaka plays an important social role as a griot, actively participating in community life, particularly during ceremonies such as funerals. As the eldest of his family, he lives in an artistic environment surrounded by musician relatives who have even toured in Europe. His family lives in Dogona, where two small sewing workshops have been set up, serving as places of creation and artisanal transmission.