After studying at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago, Congolese fashion designer Kahindo Mateene has since appeared on Project Runway US, featured in British Vogue and showcased her label, Kahindo, at AFI Joburg Fashion Week in October. Here, she talks her latest collection, inspiration and the future of African fashion.
When did you realise you wanted to become a fashion designer?
I’ve loved fashion since I was a young girl, looking through fashion catalogues and playing with paper dolls. However, I didn’t know that I wanted to be a fashion designer until I decided to quit my corporate job at 22 to return to school and pursue another Bachelor’s degree – this time in fashion design.
What challenges have you faced on your journey to becoming successful?
I’ve been a one-woman show, so the biggest challenges have been resources, time and money.
Who and what inspires your designs?
I’m constantly inspired by my Congolese heritage and African upbringing, having grown up in several different countries, as well as my travels and surroundings.
What is the thought process behind your designs?
I always have the Kahindo woman in mind when I design something new, and I make sure to include several key components that she looks for in a designer garment: statement pieces, vibrant colours, bold prints and really refined silhouettes with interesting details.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2018 - January 2019-Ausgabe von GLAMOUR South Africa.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2018 - January 2019-Ausgabe von GLAMOUR South Africa.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Are you considering moving to UK?
Bestselling author, Sam Beckbessinger is also a seasoned mover, and her latest offering, Moving to the UK, offers helpful tips, funny anecdotes and to-do lists to help you navigate this transition.
A beauty solution
At Standard Beauty, they take pride in being an all-women-run team, bringing diverse perspectives and unparalleled expertise to the skincare industry.
3 Things to Do When You Overthink Everything
How to overcome analysis paralysis.
A la MODE
With bold looks and exceptional value for money, the new Omoda C5 has made a big splash in the local motoring scene.
Spotlighting ABANTU FOR THE PEOPLE
Small businesses play an important role in the South African economy, and we're playing our part by showing them some love. This month, we shine the spotlight on Abantu Media, cofounded by Jay Wabantu who is also a tattoo artist and photographer.
CELEBRATING EMPOWERMENT
Pan-African bank Absa partners with Glamour for their influential Women of the Year Awards 2023
TAX SEASON UNPACKED
The word 'tax' stirs up many emotions, so we've roped in Tax Specialist, Natasha Lorde to answer your questions and help get you ready for Tax Season.
It's a COMPARISON trap
Even picture-perfect couples go through rough patches. Here's how to avoid the social media comparison trap.
Embracing CHANGE
It's time to stop comparing your current body to your former one. Romanticising the past is easy, but we're not meant to look the same our whole lives.
Healing YOUR INNER CHILD
The journey of self-discovery is nuanced and you may have discovered a younger you that needs to be seen and heard. Certified Meditation Practitioner, Melissa Lainn, shares her approach to healing the inner child.
