The evolution of Namibian fashion

Namibia’s fashion story has evolved in so many ways over the years. Who remembers the days when McBright Kavari ruled newspaper headlines as a child prodigy designer making waves with his creative and youthfultake on the iconic OvaHerero dress? Or the years when Namibian beautiesBenvinda Mudenge and Venantia Otto proved that Namibian models have what it takes to make it on the international stage?

Katutura Fashion Week

And who can forget the Melanie Harteveld Becker, Cynthia Schimming and Chakirra Claasen eras or the impactful foundations laid by the Pambili Association and the establishment of the Fashion Council of Namibia?

We can all agree that the road to our current reality was paved by some extraordinary Namibians who set the tone for what is fast becoming a thriving sector. Where we are today is nothing short of spectacular. Fashion is truly alive in Namibia, and it is a beautiful sight to behold all these developments.

TAKING UP SPACE

One of the best things about our fashion and beauty sectors is how Namibians are taking up their rightful places in retail spaces and by opening up their own shops to stock 100% locally produced goods. Our very own Gweri Vintage occupies prime retail space at the Grove Mall and, just recently, MN Creations together with Proud by Pewa opened up their own shop along Independence Street. Then there is Hannah Nangula who is singlehandedly showing us how to leverage a popular brand to create a full-on range of products – starting off with make-up items like foundation, lipstick and brow pencils and now venturing into skin treatment. These Namibians are proof that anything you dream of is very much attainable without having to leave the country.

Hannah Nangula

EVENTS GALORE

There has been no shortage of fashion events in the country lately. Whether you are into the exclusivity of private shows or love to support upcoming talents as they step onto the scene, there is a fashion event for you almost every other week. Since the establishment of the two biggest fashion weeks in the country, the months of October and November have become our very own fashion season with multiple showcases popping up everywhere.

NAMIBIAN WEDDINGS

In recent years, local brides have ditched international brands and are completing their big day with bridal teams that are proudly Namibian. A bridal dream team would have to include fashion designer Ruberto Scholtz, makeup artist and bridal stylist Ada Auala as well as wedding planner and queen of decor Windeline Kausiona (Wendy’s Creations). These three have put together some of the most spectacular weddings in recent years with their work also gaining recognition outside the country.

FASHION HERITAGE

The past, present and future of Namibian fashion got immortalised through the establishment of the Virtual Museum of Namibian Fashion. This site showcases prehistoric and contemporary Namibian clothing and accessories while also allowing the public to share their own clothing heritage through blogs and photos. Launched as a project by the Museums Association of Namibia, the website was made possible through collaborations with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the Gerda Henkel Foundation, the Ethnological Museum (EM) of Berlin, the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, the University of Namibia (UNAM) as well as the National Museum of Namibia (NMN).

FASHION BEYOND BORDERS

Macky 2 and Luis Munana

Namibians are making a mark in their own ways outside the country. Model-turned-fashion label owner Luis Munana impressed at Lusaka July as his former Big Brother Africa housemate Macky 2 won Best Dressed Male at the event while dressed in Luis’ Zuriel label. Meanwhile, veteran fashion designer and educator Cynthia Schimming showcased her fashion installation at the Robbery and Restitution exhibition at the Humboldt Forum in Berlin, Germany. Titled My philosophy versus Your Interpretation, the OvaHerero dress has enjoyed many interpretations from fashion and history enthusiasts alike, who mostly ascribe their interpretations of the dress to the German genocide of Namibian OvaHerero and Nama people. The installation is no doubt one of the most iconic fashion moments we’ll experience in our lifetimes; a piece that speaks to our bitter history and offers the hope that through the fashion medium, designers like Cynthia can continue to tell Namibia’s history in an authentic and engaging way.

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: contributed