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 herehttps://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      – presentationhttps://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.

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What do you think the most beautiful dress you have ever designed?

Kat van Duinen: It is very difficult to be a judge of one’s own work. I feel we had a privilege to complete many interesting projects enjoyed by our clients.

My favorites are always the simplest pieces – which aren’t overpowering. I like understated shapes made out of phenomenally luxurious materials – with an incredible attention to detail.

Which supermodel do you have the closest relationship with?

Kat van Duinen: My husband Kelly John Gough. hahahaha

but jokes aside as much as I love working with our models – we rarely socialize – perhaps it’s because I like to eat with my friends. My closest social circle consists of artists, architects, floral artists, doctors, and lawyers – models not so much.

Which competitor do you have most respect for?

Kat van Duinen: I don’t judge other designers in terms of competition. I love to see others on the same mission – especially when I feel they are doing a fantastic job.

The more we can manufacture locally, the stronger the industry – the more benefits to all of us.

I really enjoy pieces produced by Laduma Ngxokolo’s – for his label MAXHOSA – I also find Rich Mnisi extremely inspiring and the Duo – Christian and Malcolm Kluk… There are so many incredible, talented people.

What role social media plays in the fashion industry today?

Kat van Duinen: I think it connects us all. Can also be overwhelming at times – but it gives designers a platform to showcase their work worldwide rather than just to a local audience.

What was your biggest fear starting out?

Kat van Duinen: My biggest fear was not lasting… not being able to put it all together, losing all the financial resources invested into the label… same as everyone’s I guess.

What challenges did you face as a fashion designer in Poland?

Kat van Duinen: Even though I was born and grew up in Poland, I left the country being quite young – so never got a chance to test the waters as a fashion designer in Poland.

What is your favorite thing about being a fashion designer from Poland, working in South Africa?

Kat van Duinen: I really wouldn’t know. South Africa is my home. My children, friends, my work, my team – my entire life is here. The fact I was born in Poland doesn’t make much of a difference.

I do recognize and appreciate my heritage – yet again South Africa, Cape Town is the most cosmopolitan place to work and to live – with 11 official languages spoken. South Africa is my favorite thing

Who do you consider the most important face of the industry in Kenya?

Kat van Duinen: I am sad to admit, I know very little about Kenyan fashion industry. The most incredible fashion statement is made by the Masai tribe – also their traditional cloth is used by all other designers across the entire continent.

I am aware that EDUN manufactures – large majority of their pieces in Kenya – and that is definitely one of my favorite labels in the world at the moment.

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Do you think South Africa’s designers support each other?

Kat van Duinen: I think they do. Yes. There is much collaboration and exchange amongst the designers. Support isn’t always the first word that comes to mind – but there is plenty of respect.

What do you think of Kenyan fashion industry and who would you like to work with in Kenya?

Kat van Duinen:Kenya is an incredible country. I have been fascinated with it for decades. There is so much talent and resources. I feel there is a very specific style majority of the designer’s present. I would love to work with local artisans – basket weavers, beads makers, fabric designers and manufacturers, batik makers, knitters…

What’s the future of Fashion Industry in South Africa?

Kat van Duinen: We live in very unpredictable times. There is very little support from the authorities. Many superb labels closed their doors in the last two years.

I think the entire continent’s fashion is on the rise – it just isn’t easy because we miss the infrastructure and often the resources. Also African people choose western labels over the local ones. I do hope this is about to change.

Name any 5 Fashion designers in Kenya?

Kat van Duinen: Adele Dejak – who often visits South Africa Patricia Mbela Sally Karago Vivienne Taa Evelyne Adongo Wambui Mukenyi – Bridal

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Kat van Duinen: In 5 years, I would really love to have many established relationships across the continent, Europe and States.

I would love to stock our pieces in various, interesting boutiques – with clientele understanding the exotic leathers, appreciating contemporary design with a great finish.

I would really love to have more young designers on-board… Who knows?

What were your achievements?

Kat van Duinen: My greatest achievement was and is my family.

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Where can we find your designs?Kat van Duinen: We have two own boutiques in Cape Town

1. Shop 5A2, Silo 5 Building, South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 8002, South Africa

Monday to Friday: 9am – 6pm Saturday: 9am – 3:30pm Sunday and public holidays: Closed

2. Shop 101A, The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town 7915, South Africa

Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm Saturday: 9am – 3pm Sunday and public holidays: Closed

Online store on our website: www.katvanduinen.comstocklist: https://www.katvanduinen.com/contact/

Any future plans to expand to other major cities across Africa?

Kat van Duinen: Would absolutely love to. How would you describe your personal style?

I love wearing black, classic pieces. I feel great in men’s clothing – suits, shirts, loose fitting t-shirts, combined with heels. I wear men’s perfumes – anything sweet and girly really doesn’t work for me. I work a lot with my hands and need to be able to perform in clothing I wear. I like turtle shell glasses and exotic leather accessories (belts, bags, wallets), which I also collect and intend to pass on to my children. Small necklaces, but otherwise classic statement jewelry. I enjoy shawls and woolen coats as well. In general – minimalistic, masculine, functional, occasion and weather appropriate.

Who would you work with – fashion designer?

Kat van Duinen: Belgian designer – Dries van Noten

who and which things were your inspiration?

Kat van Duinen: I am forever inspired by art, travel and the continent.

My husband, South African visual artist Kelly John Gough www.kellyjohngough.co.za – has played a tremendous role in making the vision reality.

I am and always was borderline obsessed with art. World of art in Africa is especially fascinating.

Also traveling – however banal it sounds – has always helped me tell the stories to my audience – through fashion.

There is so much pressure for designers to come out with best collections season after season.

What advice would you give to the young designers?

Kat van Duinen: There is always pressure – no matter what industry one works in. Pressure isn’t always an enemy. It helps us get things done.

It is only the dictionary where the word success comes before the word work.

My only advise is “work harder”.

Content Courtesy Of Kat Van Duinen & Nairobi Fashion Hub