COQ was created around the idea of living a life where we can take deep breaths in nature. The name connects with the Japanese word for breathing, reflecting Kanako Kajihara's desire to create a lifestyle in which both body and mind can breathe comfortably.

Born in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Kajihara studied dyeing and weaving at Tama Art University, worked in textile planning at Issey Miyake, and later completed a master's degree in Fashion & Textiles at the Royal College of Art. In 2006, she established KAJIHARA DESIGN STUDIO.