4 minute read
Namibian fashion shining bright on the international stage
From beauty queens to groundbreaking designers, Namibian fashion has long featured on the global stage, showcasing our vibrant culture and resilience. This journey began in 1992 when Michelle McLean was crowned Miss Universe, an event that became a symbol of a newly independent Namibia bursting with optimism. Following in her footsteps, 19-year-old Benvinda Mundenge, who was named the Face of Africa in 1999, cemented the nation’s presence in the international fashion spotlight.
PIONEERS AND LEGENDS
The late Cynthia Schimming, a legendary designer and educator, further solidified Namibia’s fashion identity in the late 90s. Her UNESCO-awarded design, “A United World for Future Generations”, embodied the nation’s aspirations, and her showcase at Design 21 in Portugal alongside Helena Brandt and Melanie Harteveld-Becker put Namibian fashion firmly on the map.
A NEW ERA FOR NAMIBIAN FASHION
The new millennium ushered in a wave of bold creatives like Chakirra Claasen, who laid the foundation for a formalised fashion industry. In 2009, Chakirra was selected as one of the top ten finalists out of 60 upcoming designers from all over Africa to represent Namibia at the International Fashion Festival in Africa (FIMA). Chakirra was one of the pioneering Namibian designers who helped set the stage for Namibia to revitalise the sector.
Nikola Conradie’s vibrant 2014 “Love Africa” collection at Berlin Fashion Week was a colourful masterpiece which left a strong impression on the global stage. The success of her fellow designers, Leah Misika and Lourens Gebhardt, at the Mercedes-Benz African Fashion Festival that same year served as another reminder to the world of Namibia’s budding fashion talent.
The establishment of the Namibian Fashion Council and the annual MTC Windhoek Fashion Week further propelled the industry forward. In the textile sector, Swakara fur, a soughtafter luxury material produced in Namibia, garnered international attention at the Hong Kong International Fur & Fashion Fair.
KEEPING THE FASHION FLAME BURNING
Cynthia Schimming’s final masterpiece, an OvaHerero dress showcasing the complexities of colonial history, served as a powerful legacy for young designers like McBright Kavari and Helena Hangula to follow, as they continue to weave Namibian stories into their creations, striking a delicate balance between cultural authenticity and global appeal.
Helena Hangula infuses her designs with intricate patterns and vibrant colours, keeping Namibian heritage at the core while captivating international audiences. “This cultural narrative resonates, sparking curiosity and dialogue about Namibia’s rich tapestry of traditions,” she says. While staying true to Namibian aesthetics and cultural motifs, Helena integrates elements that transcend borders, ensuring her designs resonate with diverse audiences worldwide. “By embracing universal themes of elegance and innovation, I strive to create garments that speak to the essence of Namibian identity while captivating the imagination of the global fashion community,” she says.
McBright Kavari, who showcased alongside Helena at the SITA Fashion and Textiles Festival in 2023, says international events are a window of opportunity for Namibians. “I’ve learned quite a lot from fellow designers and the way they use fashion to tell their stories.” Well-known for transforming the OvaHerero dress, McBright notes that showcasing this iconic dress on the global stage creates interest in Namibia while acting as a catalyst for tourist interest in Namibia. In recent years, the dress has gained prominence worldwide, with historians and storytellers documenting the dress on numerous platforms.
A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD
Looking to the future, Melisa Poulton is hopeful that with more Namibian designers getting out there to tell our stories, the more the world will see what Namibia is about. Melisa previously showcased at Zambia’s premium fashion event, the Lusaka July, and more recently represented Namibia at the African Fashion Collective fashion show in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, during the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). Usually leaning towards more contemporary themes, Melisa’s AFCON dress is a melting pot of Namibian cultural influences. She explains, “For this specific design I went with the Namibian sun to really showcase that bright yellow as we are very bright and vibrant people. I also touched on patchwork inspired by the Nama dress, incorporating different African prints like the Odelela fabric.”
From beauty queens to fashion icons, Namibia’s journey on the global stage is far from over. The threads of fashion continue to weave a compelling narrative, showcasing the nation’s unique identity and aspirations to the world.
Rukee Kaakunga
