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 on the Lifetime Network that was nominated for an Emmy.
Kahindo is noted for its colorful original prints and timeless feminine silhouettes, as well as for a dedication to empowering the female artisans who help produce the line. The brands prints and dynamic color palettes are an ode to Africa's rich culture and heritage, and offer a fresh reinterpretation of traditional African fashion.
Notably, the brand has featured in magazines like Essence(2018,2020), Glamour South Africa (2018) City Press (2018), Vogue(2017). Kahindo Mateene has also earned herself some accolades, the likes of: Heshima Kenya Fashion Challenge, Winner, 2014, Project Runway Season 12, Contestant, 2013, Zappos Emerging Designer Program, 2013, and WWDMAGIC, Launchpad: Emerging Designer Showcase, 2011.