Pan-African Fashion Featuring Kahindo Mateene
GLAMOUR South Africa|December 2018 - January 2019

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
Pan-African Fashion Featuring Kahindo Mateene

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.

Denne historien er fra December 2018 - January 2019-utgaven av GLAMOUR South Africa.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra December 2018 - January 2019-utgaven av GLAMOUR South Africa.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA GLAMOUR SOUTH AFRICASe alt
Are you considering moving to UK?
GLAMOUR South Africa

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.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
A beauty solution
GLAMOUR South Africa

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.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2023 - January 2024
3 Things to Do When You Overthink Everything
GLAMOUR South Africa

3 Things to Do When You Overthink Everything

How to overcome analysis paralysis.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
A la MODE
GLAMOUR South Africa

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.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Spotlighting ABANTU FOR THE PEOPLE
GLAMOUR South Africa

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.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2023 - January 2024
CELEBRATING EMPOWERMENT
GLAMOUR South Africa

CELEBRATING EMPOWERMENT

Pan-African bank Absa partners with Glamour for their influential Women of the Year Awards 2023

time-read
1 min  |
December 2023 - January 2024
TAX SEASON UNPACKED
GLAMOUR South Africa

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.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
It's a COMPARISON trap
GLAMOUR South Africa

It's a COMPARISON trap

Even picture-perfect couples go through rough patches. Here's how to avoid the social media comparison trap.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Embracing CHANGE
GLAMOUR South Africa

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.

time-read
9 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Healing YOUR INNER CHILD
GLAMOUR South Africa

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.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024