In February 2022, just after the world began to open up following the global COVID pandemic, Keely Sonntag, the founder of KENI Sleepwear, embarked on a journey that would unknowingly shape the future of her brand. The destination? Northern Cyprus - a place that, at the time, was simply a hopeful backdrop for a deeply personal mission: to begin her journey toward solo motherhood through IVF.
This wasn’t a typical holiday. There were no expectations of wild adventures; instead, Keely sought a space that offered a sense of security, hope, and world class fertility services - something not usually found on the tourist brochures.
The good news was that Northern Cyprus welcomed Keely with all of the above, plus a totally unexpected and understated beauty. The winter sun on cobbled stone streets exuded old school charm, while a seemingly endless supply of delicious homemade humous ensured even her tastebuds were taken care of. It was here, amidst this intensely foreign setting, that she began to notice the small details that would later become the cornerstone of inspiration for KENI’s first collection.
Keely spent her days wandering through the old town, visiting tiny art galleries, and trying the local cuisine. As it was both off-season and post pandemic, the streets were mostly empty of tourists, and she found herself simply watching the locals go about their daily lives. The evil eye motifs, a symbol of protection and good fortune, appeared often as she explored this quiet island on her own.
These seemingly unremarkable moments - the sunrises, the mountain and ocean views, the lemon trees, the paved streets, the Turkish delight - began to weave themselves into the fabric of her experience. Though she didn’t know it then, these memories would stay with her long after she returned home. They became a part of her, and eventually, a part of KENI.
After her daughter was born, Keely found herself reminiscing about that trip to Cyprus. It was more than just a place; it was a feeling and a sense of wonder that she wanted to capture and share. As she began to imagine the designs for KENI’s first women’s sleepwear collection, while dreaming about lounging in linen and silk pyjamas, she realizsed that Cyprus had well and truly influenced her vision. The collection became a reflection of the island’s colors and imagery — the rich hues of the Mediterranean, the earthy tones of the cobblestone streets, and the unique shapes and patterns that were etched into her mind.
KENI Sleepwear’s first collection is not just about clothing; it’s a celebration of a journey - Keely's journey to Cyprus, to motherhood, and appreciating the unexpected. Cyprus, in all its surprising splendour, became the muse that brought this vision to life.
Shop the Cyprus Collection here.
