Designer Bio: Kahindo Mateene

Continuing with our study of CFI Designers in Residence, the next designer to keep a eye on is Kahindo Mateene.   A graduate of the Illinois Institute of Art – Fashion Design Program, she is influenced by the dichotomy of her vibrant African heritage fused with western design sensibilities. The brightly colorful African print is the signature of Modahnik, the designs are modern, feminine and visually appealing with an underlying sexiness.  Modahnik has a socially conscious mission at its core: to produce in Africa using fair trade practices.  Indulge in the Modahnik experience at www.modahnik.com.

Audey Dresses - Jess Audey

image via stylechicago.com

Jess Audey

 

Jess Audey began her sewing career in Cleveland, OH at the age of fourteen and spent most of high school sewing her own skirts and prom dresses. After moving to Chicago in 2001, Audey began to design and sell her own dresses to those interested in her luring style. Heavily influenced by her experience with tactile upholstery fabrics and custom orders, Audey strives to combine the perfect fabric and design for each of her garments.


Past professional experience includes work in the creative department at Chicago’s custom handbag company, 1154 Lill Studio.


Audey studied fashion design at Columbia College Chicago. Focusing on fit and timeless silhouettes, she launched AUDEY, her own design studio that is committed to the classic tradition of cocktail dresses with an innovative touch. Audey dresses are mix and match - pick from 5 different tops and 5 different bottoms, you can have 25 different dresses! Her line can be viewed at http://www.audey.com/