Kat van Duinen: Brand Story and Values

Kat van Duinen was bor n from a love of beauty, art, lux urious mater ials, p ersona lised goods and, o f course, Africa.

B R A N D S T O R Y A N D VA L U E S

Foreword

AFRICA – A PLACE OF INSPIRATION

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Kat van Duinen was born from a love of beauty, art, luxurious materials, timeless style and, of course, Africa.

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his rich, vibrant, eclectic continent – Africa – is the home of incomparable creativity. From the local artisans and craftsmen to this continent’s distinct colour palette and melting pot of effervescent traditions and cultures, Africa and, more specifically, South Africa, my home, are at the very heart of the brand.

Kat van Duinen is founded on the principle of providing high-quality fashion to clientele who value premium materials, unrivalled craftsmanship and a personalised service. Kat van Duinen clients are conscious and intentional about building their wardrobes, compiling a closet that is striking yet timeless, covetable and elegant, refined yet eclectic, and will live on as treasured pieces in their wardrobes for generations to come.

Kat van Duinen seeks to remain innovative and creative; a leader in the luxury market and at the forefront of impeccable customer service. In a world of mass-produced pieces and quantity

over quality, I am proud that Kat van Duinen will always strive to uphold the highest calibre of craftsmanship and materials, championing the ‘made by human hands’ aspect of our fashion house. You will never experience mass production and generic pieces at Kat van Duinen, for rather, we align ourselves with these words: bespoke, personal, refinement, individuality, luxury.

As Kat van Duinen continues to grow and evolve, innovate and create, I welcome you to learn more about our story and the values by which we promise to operate.

It is upon this foundation that Kat van Duinen has become – and will continue to be – a leading South African luxury fashion house.

K a t va n D u i n e n , Founder & President

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Contents

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About Kat van Duinen

Proudly South African

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Values

Animal Ethics

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Design Principles

Contact

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About

KAT VAN DUINEN:

LUXURY FASHION & LEATHER HOUSE Resplendent fabrics, striking shapes, luxurious leathers: these are the essence of Kat van Duinen. Confident, sophisticated, unapologetically stylish: these embody the Kat van Duinen woman.

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Founded in 2010, Kat van Duinen has established itself as a leading luxury label, known for its signature exotic leather pieces, as well as ready-to-wear collections underpinned by a minimalistic aesthetic, and accented by vibrant African influences.

At its heart the brand is proudly South African, guided by a commitment to nurture local artisans and industry, as well as to source materials, whenever possible, from within this rich, eclectic country. Closely intertwined lies the label’s faithfulness to premium, authentic materials so as to promise the ultimate in quality and luxury – from genuine exotic leathers to natural-fibre textiles.

Refined and sophisticated, with a striking edge and a luxurious spirit, Kat van Duinen offers exquisite craftsmanship, premium materials and timeless design, from South Africa to the world.

Meet Kat After relocating to Cape Town from Europe, Polish designer Kat van Duinen’s passion for effortless elegance saw the birth of her eponymous label in Cape Town in 2010, which has since grown to become an iconic fusion of her European heritage and love for the richness of South Africa – a place she now calls home.

What began solely as a luxury leather brand quickly grew into a fashion house that evolved to offer ready-to-wear garment collections as well as couture to private clients.

“I believe in a well-curated, quality wardrobe that is not brimming with trend-based pieces, but rather carefully filled with garments and accessories that are timeless and versatile – and that will be passed down from generation to generation,” explains Kat.

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Values

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FUNDAMENTAL COMPANY VALUES

With a premium boutique at the V&A Waterfront’s Silo District and essentials boutique and studio in Woodstock, Cape Town, South Africa, Kat van Duinen’s values and aesthetic are rooted in its African heritage. Kat van Duinen is proud to be supported by and to support companies, brands, artists, artisans and individuals who share the same goals and dreams.

Kat van Duinen is committed to these key company values: 01. The promise that every piece, wherever possible, is made in South Africa, celebrating the creative talent and skill of local craftsmen. Materials and craftsmanship are only sourced outside of South Africa when they are not found to be of sufficient quality, continuity or affordability locally.

02. The guarantee that fabrics, leathers, skins and finishes are sourced only from licensed and approved suppliers who uphold the high standards and ethical practices of Kat van Duinen.

03. That the publicising and championship of South African fashion, textiles, local craftsmanship and materials will always be at the heart of the Kat van Duinen brand.

04. The aim to support social projects across South Africa and Africa, wherever possible. Kat van Duinen is aware of its social responsibility and ability to generate positive change as a brand, and so the company is

committed to collaborations, charitable causes and social action whenever possible, in keeping with the aesthetics and values of the brand.

05. The promise that Kat van Duinen will work to secure and preserve what the continent of Africa has to offer creatively, and to work towards the continent’s growth and prosperity in as much as it is in the company’s power to do so.

06. That the founder, Kat van Duinen herself, will always be integrally involved in the projects and collections that the Kat van Duinen brand undertakes.

07. The assurance that every Kat van Duinen piece is produced to the highest quality, with the customer’s satisfaction being of utmost priority.

08. The rejection of mass-produced, generic products and impersonal customer service that has come to typify most of today’s fashion houses and shops.

09. To continuously build and expand a client network of satisfied customers who are loyal to the brand and who return regularly.

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Design Principles

AT THE VERY FOUNDATIONS OF THE KAT VAN DUINEN BRAND LIES THE COMMITMENT TO CREATE INSPIRING FASHION THAT IS ALWAYS OF THE ABSOLUTE HIGHEST QUALITY, LEADING THE WAY FOR LUXURIOUS STYLE.

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The Kat van Duinen aesthetic aims to bring focus on natural materials, notably exotic leathers, silk and wool. The brand uses simplistic lines and minimalistic cuts as the core of its signature look.

Kat van Duinen strives to educate customers about long-lasting fashion pieces – ones which stand the test of time stylistically, and which are also made from high-quality, durable materials.

Kat van Duinen aims to see designs, ranges and product availability grow as demand increases, as well as to create a range of price points that ensure local South African buyers do not become locked out of the luxury fashion market.

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Celebrating traditional craftsmanship, pioneering innovative design You are not just buying an exquisite Kat van Duinen product, you are investing in a timepiece that will last for generations, and giving back to a community of craftsmen committed to delivering unparalleled quality. Our leather craftsmen have dedicated decades of their lives to their craft; many have 20 or 30 years of experience. They have the trade in their blood: a skill handed down in their families. Kat van Duinen is committed to upholding, preserving and celebrating the incredible artistry of this process. We are proud to say that our leather pieces are made in South Africa, supporting communities that have contributed to the trade for generations.

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We know who made your clothes We know because we directly employ a close community of skilled seamstresses, pattern makers, samplers, beaders and machinists – and they produce every carefully created garment sold by Kat van Duinen, largely by hand. Which means that every piece produced is a labour of love, sustainably and ethically crafted by our team members who all work closely in collaboration with Kat herself.

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Proudly South African

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MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA Wherever possible, Kat van Duinen promises to source all fabric and materials from South Africa.

Only in the case where the required materials are not available within South Africa, or are not of high enough quality or affordable within South Africa, will Kat van Duinen source further afield.

All leather and skin is sourced only from licensed and regulated suppliers.

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Animal Ethics Principles

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KAT VAN DUINEN PRIDES ITSELF IN SOURCING EXOTIC LEATHER FROM ONLY AUTHORISED, RESPECTED AND REGULATED FARMS.

Every single skin used is legally and ethically sourced, with the utmost care and respect given to specially-farmed animals.

Kat van Duinen sources exotic leather based on these principles: Defining exotic leather Exotic leather encompasses leather or skin sourced from animals whose skins are not widely or commonly used (for example, cattle hide). The exotic skins most frequently used by Kat van Duinen are ostrich, python and crocodile.

Zero impact on animal population numbers Kat van Duinen sources its skins only from approved, specialist farmers who are licensed to breed animals specifically for their skin. This means that their deaths have absolutely no impact on the species’ wild population, nor does it negatively affect the population numbers of endangered species.

Minimal wastage All of the animals whose skins Kat van Duinen use aren’t bred only for their skin: their meat, fur or feathers are also sold, so that there is as little wastage as possible.

Humane, ethical treatment of animals All of the suppliers used by Kat van Duinen are legally required to ensure that their animals receive these freedoms: 01. Freedom from hunger or thirst by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.

02. Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment, including shelter and a comfortable resting area.

03. Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

All of the farmed animals whose skins are sourced by Kat van Duinen are fed plentiful diets, none of which contain animal proteins.

In addition, it is important to note that the better you treat an animal, in every sense of the word, the healthier its coat or skin is. Since Kat van Duinen uses only the highest-quality leather and skins, the ill-treatment of animals is completely unacceptable – not only for the wellbeing of the animals involved, but also to protect the quality of the skins used.

Ethical, legal living conditions for animals In compliance with South African law, the farmed animals whose skins are sourced by Kat van Duinen are given as much freedom as possible. All animals are provided with heated shelter during winter, as well as plentiful shade and shelter during summer. Wherever possible, animals are free range, and animals always have access to fresh water and nutritional food.

Humane, legal slaughtering of animals All animals are slaughtered in South African- and EU-approved abattoirs, following strict regulations that ensure minimal stress and pain. According to law, animals are stunned to ensure that slaughtering is painless.

Strict regulation of farms used by Kat van Duinen All of the farms used by Kat van Duinen are licensed to breed, farm and slaughter their respective animals. Licensing includes accreditation from the ISO, the South African National and Provincial Veterinary and Agricultural authorities, and various international safety regulators to allow for exportation.

The farms are regularly inspected by the NSPCA and South Africa’s Department of Agriculture. All farms have to re-register each year and submit to bi-annual, unannounced inspections that not only observe the safety and wellbeing of the farmed animals, but also the quality of food, space and plants on the farm.

Kat van Duinen is proud to support the ethical and humane production of exotic skins which provides innumerable jobs in South Africa and forms an invaluable and ethical part of South Africa’s economy.

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CONTACT General / Wholesale & Buyers E. info@katvanduinen.com T. +27 (0)21 447 6582 / +27 (0)21 427 9008 Media E. press@katvanduinen.com Connect with us WEB. www.katvanduinen.com TWITTER. @KatvanDuinenLtd FACEBOOK. facebook.com/katvanduinendesign

The Kat van Duinen name and logo are registered trademarks of Kat van Duinen Design (Pty) Ltd. All images Š Kat van Duinen Design (Pty) Ltd. 104

P R O U D LY S O U T H A F R I C A N

All im ages Š Kat van Duinen Design (Pty) Ltd.

The Kat van Duinen n ame and logo ar e r egistered tradem ar ks of Kat van Duinen Design (P ty) Ltd.

W W W. K AT VA N D U I N E N . C O M