Pan-African Fashion Featuring Kahindo Mateene

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.

- Tania Durand

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.