Kouassi Atelier
Yao Kouassi
Yao Kouassi cuts ceremonial menswear in Abidjan with a French shoulder and an Ivorian collar.
The hand
“A groom stands for six hours. The jacket has to stand with him.”
Signature work
Abidjan Groom Suit
Midnight mohair-wool, full canvas, hand-sewn buttonholes
Wedding · 2025
Kita Kaftan
Ivory kita-trimmed kaftan with matching trousers
Traditional wedding · 2024
Cocoa Dinner Jacket
Chocolate velvet dinner jacket with grosgrain lapels
Black tie · 2023
Construction detail
This is what the price buys: full-canvas tailoring, kaftan construction, hand-sewn buttonholes — finished by hand and checked at close range before anything leaves the workroom.
The atelier
Kouassi Atelier, Abidjan. Every commission begins with a basted fitting of the jacket shell.
Craft
Techniques
- Full-canvas tailoring
- Kaftan construction
- Hand-sewn buttonholes
Specialisms
- Bespoke suits
- Menswear tailoring
- Traditional clothing
Materials
- Wool
- Cashmere
- Brocade
Working with Yao
- Region
- Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, and clients anywhere through Everrissa
- Fittings
- in person or remotely
- A commission begins with
- a basted fitting of the jacket shell
- Capacity
- 2 commissions a month, no more
- Availability
- available
Terms
Yao's commissions typically fall between $650 and $4,200 (quoted and paid in sterling, £500 – £3,200), with a lead time of around 8 weeks. A deposit secures the slot and fabric; the balance is released in stages you approve as the garment takes shape. Every piece is quoted on its own brief — there is no tariff.
Verified, and what that means
Everrissa checked Yao's identity, workroom and past work before this atelier was listed, and every commission is run through Everrissa's milestone payments.
Reviews are earned, not imported.
Only a client whose commission with Yao has been completed through Everrissa can leave one here. The first will appear when the first piece is delivered.