If you’ve been paying close attention to the designers shaping the future of African luxury fashion, then you already know the name Katungulu Mwendwa. You’ve seen her vision. You’ve felt her quiet confidence. Long before the mainstream caught on, Katungulu, the creative mind behind Katush, her Nairobi-based label, was already being hailed as one of the most distinctive voices redefining what modern African fashion looks like.
And now, the world has officially caught up. Katungulu Mwendwa has been named one of the newest inductees into the Business of Fashion BOF500 Class of 2025, joining the ranks of industry icons and innovators shaping the global style agenda.
And when she shared the news on Instagram, the excitement was instant. For those who have championed her work from the sidelines, it wasn’t just another announcement. And it must have felt deeply personal.
Seeing a Kenyan fashion designer reach such a milestone is a moment of collective pride, and more importantly, a powerful sign of what’s next for African fashion designers on the global stage.
Normalising Excellence: The Katush Philosophy
This recognition isn’t just about one name; it’s about a movement. Katungulu Mwendwa’s induction into the BOF500 symbolises a wider shift where African creativity is no longer an exception, but an expectation. For too long, the global fashion conversation has framed African designers as niche or emerging. Yet Katungulu’s work proves that contemporary African fashion can be both deeply intellectual and effortlessly wearable.
Her brand, Katush, stands out for its understated elegance. The pieces are designed with versatility in mind—clean silhouettes, soft tailoring, and fabrics that feel both grounded and global. Rather than rely on overused tropes of “tribal” or “ethnic” aesthetics, she uses subtle cultural storytelling to express identity and pride in new ways.
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The Mind and Magic Behind Katungulu Mwendwa
Katungulu Mwendwa isn’t just designing clothes; she’s redefining modern African luxury. Educated at the University for the Creative Arts in England and Polimoda in Italy, she brings global experience home to Kenya, blending European refinement with African sensibility. What truly sets her apart, though, is how she fuses heritage and modernity in ways that feel effortlessly contemporary.
At the core of her label lies a question: what does it mean to be African, modern, and female today? Her collections explore that beautifully. Each piece moves with intention, celebrating culture while embracing fluidity.
Her influences are rich and deeply personal. From the corsetry traditions of South Sudan’s Dinka women to the ornate adornment of the Wodaabe people of the Fulani, and even the artistic sensibility of her Kamba heritage, Katungulu transforms cultural codes into modern design language. The result is timeless, intelligent, and soulful fashion that celebrates the beauty of identity without cliché.
As she once described, Katush is “a curious sceptic’s review of the perceptions of Kenyan, African, and female identity”, a reflection that resonates with anyone who’s ever questioned what it means to belong, evolve, and create with purpose.
Ethical Fashion from Kenya
Of course, no conversation about Katungulu Mwendwa is complete without mentioning her deep connection to community. Her creative process is powered by collaboration. Inspired by her grandmother, who ran a curio shop supporting local artisans, Katungulu continues that legacy through ethical fashion practices that prioritise local production and sustainable sourcing.
Each Katush piece carries the touch of Kenyan craftsmanship. The brand works closely with weavers, tailors, and small-scale artisans, ensuring the economic benefits of Made in Africa stay within the continent. It’s this authentic, circular approach to fashion that makes Katush more than just a brand—it’s a blueprint for a new kind of African luxury, one that values people as much as aesthetics.
As conversations about sustainability deepen across the industry, Katungulu’s work reminds us that true sustainability starts at home, with fair labour, cultural respect, and design integrity.
From Nairobi to the World
What makes this moment so powerful is that it’s not isolated. Katungulu Mwendwa’s recognition represents a rising tide of African talent shaping the global fashion landscape. Each international nod chips away at old barriers, opening space for new narratives and global appreciation of African fashion designers who are not just participating in trends but defining them.
Through Katush, Katungulu Mwendwa has positioned herself as a voice of quiet strength—one that bridges continents, celebrates culture, and redefines sophistication on African terms. Her vision reminds us that African fashion isn’t following global trends—it’s setting them.
As consumers, curators, and creators, our role is clear: to support, amplify, and celebrate these designers who are not only putting Africa on the map but redrawing it altogether.
A Note from Chic Chui
Katungulu, congratulations on this incredible, well-deserved recognition. You are a catalyst, an inspiration, and a true global powerhouse. From Nairobi to the world, your journey embodies everything we stand for—creativity, culture, and confidence. Keep pushing the boundaries. The world is finally catching up.
