Congolese Clothing Brand, Kahindo Offers A New Interpretation Of Traditional African Fashion
Kahindo is a modern, ethical womenswear fashion brand that honors the history of African design with vivid prints and vibrant colors. The brand is a celebration of the history and natural beauty of Africa and is inspired by the founder's Congolese heritage. The wears are designed in NYC and ethically produced in Africa.
Kahindo was launched in 2009 by Kahindo Mateene, she was born in Uganda to Congolese parents, and raised in the United States. Mateene’s relation with color, print and textures began at an early age, having lived across multiple African nations where she was exposed to many different cultures and styles of artisanship. With references to her diverse heritage, she brings a multicultural sensitivity to her designs that feel as relevant on the streets of New York and Lagos.
Keeping her Congolese heritage at the forefront of her brand, KAHINDO collaborates with RefuShe, a Kenyan NGO that strives to protect abandoned and separated refugee children and youth. Mateene's work has also gained her notoriety on a global scale; in 2011, she graduated from the Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy's Residency program and participated in Project Runway, a reality competition program o