Style secrets from Namibia’s current "it girl"

Maggy Lenga

There is a new type of Namibian fashion "it girl" making waves. She is ridiculously stylish. Has a body and face that make for gawk-worthy content. But above all, she typically has local designers lining up to dress her and gain instant access to a woman most likely followed by thousands on social media.

One of these "it girls" is none-other than Maggy Lenga.

The gorgeous mother of one turns heads wherever she goes and is amassing a huge following on Instagram which she uses to document her style. Maggy is also the Face of Proud By Pewa, a Windhoek-based fashion brand.

I caught up with Maggy to find out what some of her style secrets are and just how she manages to show up impeccably dressed every single day.

When and how did your fashion story begin?

I have always liked looking good, but my style story started when I was about 23 years old, after having my daughter. That’s when I really started being aware of myself and putting effort into my appearance. I just wanted to look good almost all the time.

What inspires your personal style?

My personal style is very mood-inspired.

Some days I feel chic and sophisticated, some days casual or athletic and I style myself accordingly.

Social media also influences my style. I always find stunning outfits I like or that I can relate to and incorporate in my styling. Pinterest is my personal stylist, I have some really cool mood boards created that I can always go back to for inspiration when I need stunning outfits.

How has your personal style evolved over the years?

I have always considered personal style to be everchanging. It evolves as you grow as a person, and your taste changes as you age.

I used to follow all the latest fashion trends. It didn’t matter if they worked for me or not, I’d buy and wear them because it was trending. Which is so wrong when I think back. In the last three to four years, though, I have figured out what my personal style is, outside the trends. I know exactly what I like, what flatters my body type, which colours compliment me best and what I feel confident and comfortable in.

Currently, my wardrobe is full of classic statement pieces and basic pieces, and I add a few trendy pieces from time to time.

Which fashion items have been your staples over the last five years?

That would be a well-fitting black suit, a good pair of heels, a pair of good white sneakers, a basic Tee, black or

white, a pair of well-fitting denim pants and some really cool shades. These pieces are classics and they are so versatile that you can practically create look after look without looking like you are repeating the same pieces.

Who are your style icons?

Victoria Beckham, Melody Molale, Gabrielle Union-Wade and Bonang Matheba – to name but a few.

What would you never be caught wearing, like ever?

Low-rise pants, platform wedge heels, straight caps.

Finally, what style lessons are you already passing down to your daughter?

She is still very young, so for now I’m teaching her authenticity, to always wear what makes her feel most beautiful, comfortable and confident.

To keep up with Maggy’s style story, follow her on Instagram @mlmaggy.

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: Azo Photography