What’s been happening in Namibian fashion

A roundup of all the exciting local fashion events to look out for

We are halfway into the year and while we are reflecting on how far we have come we are excited for everything that lies ahead of us for the rest of the year. For Namibian fashion, it’s been a busy six months with the sector generating a buzz. So here is a roundup of everything you should know…

New collections and the return of old favourites

Some of our favourite fashion brands have dropped new gems which are perfect to wrap up the winter season in style.

Following their debut collection,the talented trio of designers at Nayoo released new pieces, sticking to their take on wearable fashion that features textiles and prints unique to Namibia’s cultural heritage. Leah Misika on the other hand is helping us all stay on trend this winter by bringing back her popular pleather beret, which is the perfect accessory on a chilly day.

Other new local fashion drops to look out for include Proud By Pewa’s lovely knit sets. And for the guys: winter will have nothing on you with the Pom Couture and MN Creations bomber jackets.

Namibian Museum of Fashion opens in Otjiwarongo

After the online version of Namibia’s first museum of fashion was launched last year, we were all eagerly awaiting the opening of the physical museum. Just as promised by the Museum Association of Namibia (MAN), it was inaugurated on June 1st. A MAN collaboration with the Gerda Henkel Foundation and the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, the Museum of Namibian Fashion features historical clothing and accessories from Namibia’s diverse cultures. The museum galleries also display the works of contemporary fashion designers who are inspired by Namibia’s cultural diversity. The new museum in Otjiwarongo is taking Namibian fashion to the people.

Awards season draws closer

If you are a proud supporter of Namibian fashion creatives, you will be delighted to know that one of the Katutura Fashion Week Award nominations is up for votes. Another round of nominations to look forward to are those for the Simply You Magazine and Lifestyle and Fashion Awards, which is one of the leading fashion and entertainment events on the Namibian events calendar.

Once again, stylists, fashion designers and models will be vying for the chance to walk away with an industry award that adds credibility to their portfolio.

MTCtv+ – An opportunity for fashion creatives

Launched at the swanky Café Capri, the MTCtv+ platform provides an opportunity for local fashion creatives to showcase their work to a broader audience. The premium ondemand platform features music, lifestyle, sports fashion, education and entertainment content for viewers to access from the comfort of their homes.

“As we drive an inclusive Namibian digital economy and foster innovation and digitalisation, MTCtv+ will also provide opportunities for local and regional artists and content creators to use the platform to access digital natives by streaming their content directly to our customers”, MTC Chief Human Capital and Corporate Affairs Officer Tim Ekandjo said at the launch. For an introverted fashion lover like myself, this site could be the perfect answer to the question of how to keep up with fashion events without actually attending them. A genius idea if you ask me.

Whether you are on the lookout for local fashion events or an opportunity to update your collection of original Namibian designer items, there are a host of exciting opportunities to do so right away.

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: Addie Films; Blind Agency; Contributed