The Meaning Behind Koko & Ki
Koko & Ki (Ti) is the Samoan word for Cocoa & Tea.
Koko is the traditional hot cocoa drink of Samoa, while tea is a familiar part of everyday life in the Western world. Apart from being two of my favourite hot drinks, they represent the two worlds that have shaped me. Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, my Samoan upbringing has shaped both my identity and my love of thoughtful, contemporary design.
Everything I create draws on my Samoan language, stories and traditions, reinterpreting them through a contemporary lens to create pieces that speak to where we come from and who we are today.
Koko & Ki is a reminder that our identity can be deeply rooted in our heritage while continuing to grow, evolve and find its place in modern everyday life.
— Tavao