Ngoni Chikwenengere is a celebrated fashion designer, sustainability advocate, and the visionary behind We Are KIN, a brand renowned for its timeless, size-inclusive designs that place people and the planet at their core.

Born to a Zimbabwean father and a South African-Mozambican mother, Ngoni’s cultural heritage and upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for creativity and resourcefulness. From a young age, she was captivated by the transformative world of fashion, spending countless hours watching Fashion TV and drawing inspiration from iconic designers like Alexander McQueen. At just 16, she received her first sewing machine, a Bernina, which marked the beginning of her journey into fashion design.

Her passion for fashion was soon tempered by an awareness of its impact on the world. While studying for her fashion degree, Ngoni was deeply moved by events such as the Rana Plaza disaster and the unethical practices of brands burning unsold stock. These revelations inspired her to redefine what luxury fashion could mean—an approach rooted in ethical and sustainable principles.

In 2017, Ngoni launched We Are KIN, a brand that celebrates luxury ethical living. By using deadstock, end-of-line, and natural fabrics, her designs are both timeless and environmentally conscious, catering to women of all shapes and stages of life—from size 6 to 26 and ages 18 to 68. Her work champions elegance with purpose, making sustainable fashion not only desirable but attainable.

Milestones and Recognition
Ngoni is a graduate of the University of Northampton and an alumnus of the Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership. She has been recognised as one of Forbes 30 Under 30 and has collaborated with organisations like Choose Love and Stylist Magazine. Her work has been featured in leading publications, cementing her place as a trailblazer in the fashion industry.

Speaking and Advocacy
Ngoni is a sought-after speaker and educator, having delivered keynote talks and participated in panels for organisations such as EA, The Last Yarn x Jimmy Choo Academy, Graduate Fashion Week, and ByRotation. She has lectured at the University of Northampton and spoken at events for The Albright Member Club x Lillet. Through these engagements, she shares her vision of a fashion industry that prioritises ethics and innovation.

Consulting

Ngoni has worked with and helped many brands go to market - from visualisations brand identity to designing collections.

A Life of Ethical Luxury
Beyond her work in fashion, Ngoni embodies the principles of sustainable living in her daily life. She grows a variety of fruits and vegetables with her parents, combining a love for nature with the values of self-sufficiency and mindfulness. Her approach to luxury is holistic, balancing aesthetics with responsibility.

Ngoni also uses her social media platforms to educate and inspire, sharing content that advocates for sustainability, ethical living, and climate action. Her digital presence reflects her commitment to making a positive impact and empowering others to make informed, intentional choices.

The Future
Ngoni envisions a future where We Are KIN continues to expand its influence, becoming a beacon of sustainable fashion worldwide. She remains dedicated to her mission of creating designs that are as kind to the planet as they are beautiful, inspiring others to embrace the ethos of luxury ethical living.