About KOH Montreal

In the bustling streets of Indonesia, especially where Indonesian communities thrive, folks call out "koh" to an older guy with respect—like saying "hey, big bro" or "sir" in that warm, familiar way.

That's the heart behind KOH Montreal, a spot right in the city where luxury fashion gets a fresh twist. Juan Iskandar kicked it off—born in Borneo and raised in Bali with deep Indonesian roots pulling the strings. He's the founder, creative director, and hands-on manager, turning old folklore like the mighty Barong spirit (that fierce protector from Balinese tales) into pieces people can actually wear.

Think custom-made garments and outfits that mix those intricate tapis and Tenun weaves from Indonesia with sharp Western cuts—sleek like Parisian high fashion, but with a story stitched into every seam. KOH Montreal is all about sustainability too: every bit comes from GOTS-certified (Global Organic Textile Standard) fabrics or upcycled stuff, cut with zero waste in mind.

No mass production here; it's slow fashion that lasts. Juan and his crew have snagged awards like the 2024 International Design Award in the Bronze Barong category, proving the brand blends culture, craft, and care for the planet into something genuinely special.

KOH isn't just clothes—it's a bridge between worlds, born in Montreal's creative buzz.

The Mission

KOH Montreal's mission is straightforward: craft luxury that doesn't trash the earth or shortchange people. Juan Iskandar embeds circular economy smarts from the get-go—zero-waste patterns, fabrics spun from recycled bottles, and pushing resale, rentals, and fixes so nothing ends up in a landfill. He leads the charge, honouring his Balinese heritage while nodding to Quebec's inclusive vibe.

The brand sources ethically, teams up with local artisans for upcycling, and keeps labour fair with open wage checks and skill-building programs. It's about sparking community chats, from Balinese workshops to Montreal clients, turning every garment into a win for culture, craft, and the globe. For Juan Iskandar, fashion isn't just what someone wears—it's how someone treats the hands that made it and the ground it'll return to.

The Vision

Juan Iskandar dreams big: by 2030, he wants KOH Montreal to spearhead a fully circular fashion world, where luxury means lasting impact, not throwaway trends. Picture a future where Eastern tales like the Barong guard against waste, and every piece sparks multicultural magic—Balinese threads meeting Western flair, exported from Quebec to light up runways everywhere.

Under his watch, the brand is building a movement that flips fast fashion on its head. Inclusivity rules: designs for all, communities connected, and slow values that inspire others to rethink what luxury actually looks like. From the Montreal atelier, KOH exports not just style, but stories of harmony and bold green innovation.

Juan Iskandar sees Quebec as the launchpad—a province celebrated for artistic freedom becoming a global beacon for fashion that actually means something.

The Values

• Resilience runs deep in KOH's DNA, much like the Barong battling chaos in Balinese folklore. Juan pivoted through pandemics, supply hiccups, and skeptics by going local, innovating fabrics, and sharing his cultural tales online to build a loyal tribe.

• Sustainability is non-negotiable for him: GOTS-certified (Global Organic Textile Standard), upcycled, zero-waste every single time.

• Cultural fusion is the brand's signature—Balinese motifs in modern silhouettes, celebrating Indonesia's weaving traditions while embracing Quebec's diversity.

• Ethical labour and community come first: fair pay, training, and real connections from artisans to wearers.

• Slow fashion over speed: quality trumps quantity, with resale and repair programs keeping garments alive well beyond their first wear.

• And creativity? Juan Iskandar's polymath spark turns folklore into wearable shields for the planet. He is not chasing trends; he's setting them. KOH Montreal is the thread that ties it all together—strong, vibrant, and unbreakable.