A royal return to the runway

There were many unforgettable moments at the sixth installment of the MTC Windhoek Fashion Week and one of them was no doubt the return of Lafika Joyce to the runway.

Closing off the event, Lafika showcased her latest collection, a tribute to the Aaķwanghwiiyo clan. The royal clan of the Ombaanhu Kingdom in Northern Namibia gets its name from the eagle, which is onghwii in Oshiwambo.

Known as the people less likely to shy away from spreading their wings fearlessly, the Aaķwanghwiiyo take on every challenge in life with steadfast courage, fearlessly facing every adventure or project they undertake with “one foot on stable ground”.

“The bird itself can rise beyond unimaginable boundaries. Similarly, those who possess this totem animal can achieve heights of success beyond comprehension. Yet, the totem also simultaneously reminds us that no bird can fly in the air forever. At some point, it has to descend to the ground. This shows how, despite being such a magnificent and highly accomplished creature, it does not let go of its roots,” says Lafika.

Meeting up with Lafika at the Pantry on a drizzling Windhoek afternoon, I get through the pleasantries and then proceed to ask the questions I’ve been dying to ask since seeing her immaculate collection for Fashion Week.

The first thing she reveals is that she began working on this comeback collection last year. While it was initially meant to follow a different theme, she chose to rather honour her heritage by going with a theme which speaks of her clan name.

“I realized that in order for me to know where I am going, I need to know where I am from,” she says, and adds that a new interest in her clan name and its history led her to do some research – starting with oral history told by her father who was only delighted to share this part of the family story with her.

Once she had completed the research and conceptualised the collection, she threw herself into the production process. That lasted months. Staying true to her brand, Lafika once again proved her knack for textile print. “As much as I wanted to follow my roots, I didn’t want to go the typical ‘African’ print route,” she says. ”I rather wanted a print that can be internationally recognized without being too cliché.”

Her colours of choice were emeralds, mustards and fresh whites – all of which are regal in nature and serve as the perfect symbolism for her royal clan.

While some may know Lafika as one of the forces behind Fashion Week and a local children’s television show, among many other projects, very few know her as the talented fashion and textile designer. Once nominated for the 2012 Vodacom Durban July Top 30 Young Achievers Designer Award upon completing fashion school, Lafika has with this collection re-ignited her passion to create under her label. “It’s my time to shine,” says the designer with a spark in her eye.

This, she says, is only the beginning of the rebirth of The Clan, a high-end fashion and lifestyle brand that not only features fashion garments but also modern home decor and textiles with Lafika’s iconic prints.

A woman who is clearly inspired by her love for family, Lafika says that the one thing which kept her going throughout the making of this collection was her daughter. She hopes that what she is building now will one day become her legacy for her daughter.

Rukee Kaakunga is a Windhoek-based Communications Specialist, Blogger and Freelance Fashion Writer. Contact her via email: rukeekaakunga@gmail.com and follow her on Twitter @rukeeveni and on Instagram @rukeekaakunga.

Photography: Simz Photo for MTC Windhoek Fashion Week