Kahindo Mateene

Kahindo Mateene, the founder of KAHINDO, a New York-based ethical luxury fashion brand established in 2017, is a creative visionary with a deep connection to her Congolese heritage and African upbringing. Her brand is a shining example of ethical fashion, proudly Made in Africa and committed to fair trade principles.

Kahindo’s journey in fashion began with her education at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago. Her diverse background, including being born in Uganda and living in various African countries, has profoundly influenced her design aesthetics and global perspective.

Kahindo’s passions extend beyond fashion as she uses her brand to create job opportunities for African women and promote cultural exchange. KAHINDO’s luxury designs blend African heritage with contemporary influences, challenging stereotypes, and celebrating the diversity of African cultures. Continuing her growth in the fashion industry, Kahindo is a designer on a mission to empower women, champion sustainable fashion practices, and showcase the beauty of African culture in her creations.

Kahindo competed on season 12 of Project Runway, graduated from the Workshop at Macy’s program in 2023, and was recognized as a Tory Burch Fellow in 2021. Her work has been featured in WWD, Vogue, The New York Times, Elle, Essence, and Marie Claire.