CEO Secrets: Kookai Co-Founder, Danielle Vagner

Shanina Shaik at the ’15/’16 Kookai runway show on Wednesday wearing the Positano Dress and Brazillia Heels

BWA – What inspired you to start Kookai?

I was first introduced to the brand through one of my nearest and dearest friends – Paola. We were modelling together and she recommended Rob (Kookai co-founder) & I come to Paris and meet the owners. We quickly fell in love with the chic Parisian style and saw an opportunity to bring this style to Australia.

23 years on and we are now a vertical business that manufactures, designs and retails Kookai in Australia & New Zealand.  And – Paola and I are still the best of friends too of course!

BWA – What do you see as being the most important ingredient/s in Kookai’s long-lived success? 

There are so many elements that go in to creating a successful brand but for us it’s definitely been growing and challenging ourselves as a retail fashion business. We are always wanting to surprise our customers and give them something different every season.

The Kookai woman is always top of mind for us and I think this consistent filter has been one of the main ingredients in Kookai’s long lived success – she is our everyday inspiration so we cant go too wrong!

BWA – So who is the Kookai girl/woman?

She is adventurous, stylish, feminine, spirited, creative, on trend but not trend obsessed. She buys for herself versus buying whats in fashion. She is confident and inspiring.