Meet Kat Van Duinen Fashion Designer and Creative Director From South Africa

Who is Kat van Duinen?

Kat van Duinen as a label stands mainly for specialized exotic leather accessories.
We work with crocodile, ostrich, python, lizard skins.

All skins are genuine and come from specialized and certified suppliers – mainly in South Africa.
Clothing wise – we strive to use natural fibers wherever possible – silk, wool, linen, cotton.All beading is made by hand.

Check out more collection here
https://www.katvanduinen.com

When did you realize you wanted to pursue a career as a fashion designer?

Kat van Duinen: Since childhood I loved beautiful things and was always fascinated with all the processes of making them.

Which Year did your start your brand Kat Van Duinen?

Kat van Duinen: We registered in 2010 and our first store in Cape Town opened on September 17th 2011

Why did you start this career?

Kat van Duinen: Moving to South Africa in 2005 I used to complain about the lack of great quality, contemporary pieces and there wasn’t any luxury label I could find at the time representing the country’s and the continent’s heritage, yet incorporating more modern aesthetic and quality competing at an international standard.

I felt perhaps instead of complaining that I’d do something about it. And I feel I did.

Tell us about your line and what was your inspiration for this collection?

Kat van Duinen: I am not exactly sure which collection you are talking about – I think the 2016 one?
At the moment we are preparing to release our first men’s accessories line.

All of our collections are inspired by the continent in one way or another.
Collaborating with local artists and designers has been truly an amazing experience.

Step-by-step process:
Kat van Duinen: The processes vary from collection to collection – depending on the requirements. Sewing, beading, printing – there is a system to how things are made, including packaging and presentation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DDrN7N01XU      – presentation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bf0B9iIKJaM         – making of our signature tote

How is working in fashion different now than when you started?

Kat van Duinen: There isn’t much that has changed over the decade – except the fact that South Africa got swamped by all the fast fashion chains.

The world in general is in a very particular spot at the moment. These are emotionally exhausting times – yet again exciting for the African continent – in my opinion.