Inspired by traditional Cameroonian garments, West African fabric and New York’s vibrant fashion scene, Kibonen delved into the fashion world with ingenious ideas of producing modern interpretations of one of the most delicate and intricate hand woven traditional garments of Cameroon’s western highlands region – the “toghu”. Although the pursuit of a fashion career is routinely frowned upon in Cameroon where Kibonen was born and its success deemed unfathomable, she pursued her dreams and formed a label Kibonen NY. Through her designs, Kibonen aims to provide a confluence of cultures through beautifully crafted and stylish garments with a social stand.
Featured in numerous publications and having worked with numerous celebrities,
Lupita Nyong’o, Gayle King and Justine Skye are to name a few. She was the only Cameroonian invited to participate in the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange where her outfits were exhibited in the Buckingham Palace, the Australian House – UK, Fashion For Development, Royal Ascot, First Ladies Luncheon at the UN summit, in partnership with EcoAge. She has been invited as key panelist to speak on Fashion from the continent of Africa at Columbia University, NYU, Wharton School and Cornell University.
Kibonen interned at the prestigious Donna Karan New York as a celebrity dress designer, an LVMH fashion intern, has worked at P&G with brands like Escada, Dolce Gabanna, Gucci, Valentino and Burberry.
Always nursing that passion for her native Africa, Kibonen returned home in 2020 with the help of some partners to set up another revolutionary manufacturing plant in Buea – the Cameroon Clothing Company where she hires over 60 garment makers under fair trade conditions. Kibonen serves on the Creative Africa Advisory Group by Afrexim Bank.