Glamour with Purpose: How Ethical Fashion Empowers Women and Inspires Gratitude

By Kahindo Mateene

Founder & Designer of KAHINDO

Every holiday season, fashion takes center stage—runways, parties, and glamorous celebrations. But behind the shimmer, there’s an opportunity for something deeper: using style as a platform to uplift others. For me, fashion isn’t just about looking beautiful; it’s about creating connection, empowerment, and purpose.

My journey into fashion is rooted in both love and loss. I was born in Uganda to Congolese parents, and I grew up across multiple African countries. My mother loved dressing up—her elegance and attention to detail inspired my early fascination with clothing. My father was a diplomat who taught me the value of giving back. When I lost both of them, I knew I wanted to build something that honored their legacy. That seed of purpose eventually grew into my fashion brand, KAHINDO.

KAHINDO is a New York–based ethical fashion brand that creates bold, colorful statement pieces inspired by my Congolese heritage and global upbringing. But what makes the brand truly special is how and where the pieces are made. Each garment is produced by female artisans in Africa, using fair-trade practices that ensure they earn living wages, build financial independence, and support their families and communities.

For me, glamour and gratitude are inseparable. The beauty of a well-made dress, scarf, or sweater isn’t just in the vibrant print or intricate details. It’s in the hands that made it—the women whose stories are woven into every stitch. These women aren’t just producing fashion; they’re crafting opportunities for themselves and future generations.

Style That Gives Back

The holiday season is a time when people look for meaningful ways to give. Choosing fashion that’s ethically made can be a powerful way to do that. Every KAHINDO piece supports a woman artisan, creating ripple effects that extend far beyond the wearer’s closet.

When someone slips into one of our bold printed dresses or wraps a hand-block-printed scarf around their shoulders, they’re not just wearing fashion—they’re wearing a story of empowerment, resilience, and hope.

This year, my gratitude extends to the talented artisans who continue to bring my designs to life. Their skill, creativity, and dedication remind me daily why I started this journey. The holidays are also a time when customers share their own stories with me—how they wore a KAHINDO piece to celebrate a milestone, travel to a new place, or simply feel beautiful in their own skin. These moments are what fuel me.

A Movement, Not a Moment

Glamour with purpose isn’t just a trend; it’s a movement. More consumers are beginning to care about where their clothes come from and who makes them. They’re choosing to align their style with their values. For designers like me, that’s an incredible opportunity to create real change.

This holiday season, my hope is that we all pause to reflect on the power of what we purchase. Behind every piece is a story. And when we choose thoughtfully, fashion becomes a way to celebrate beauty while giving back.

I often say that KAHINDO is more than a brand—it’s a bridge between worlds. It’s the bridge between my parents’ legacy and my future, between artisans in Africa and fashion lovers around the globe, between glamour and gratitude.

A Call to Conscious Glamour

As you plan your holiday looks, consider pieces that make a difference. Whether it’s from KAHINDO or another ethical brand, your wardrobe can be both stunning and socially impactful. Glamour and gratitude belong together.

When fashion uplifts, it becomes more than what you wear—it becomes who you are and what you stand for.

Connect With Kahindo

www.kahindo.com

@kahindo_nyc