4 minute read
Alumni reignite UNAM fashion scene
from FlyNamibia May 2024
with the Commonwealth Fashion Show
Forget everything you heard. The University of Namibia (UNAM) fashion scene is back with a bang!
At a recent event, fashion enthusiasts were treated to a rare phenomenon as the fashion department’s students and alumni showcased at the main campus. This self-identifying fashion addict almost missed the event, but the mad dash to make it was well worth it.
Participants in the showcase included some of UNAM’s most prominent alumni, such as current lecturers and Masters graduates Chakirra Claasen and Maria Caley. Also on the list were seasoned designers Loini Iizyenda and Esther Iyambo. Rising stars Chanté Bock, Maija-Liisa Nautende and Quin-Leigh Hammond also took part, adding a fresh take to the runway show.
The threads that connect the Commonwealth
As part of the Commonwealth Fashion Show, an initiative of UNAM’s Humanities Department and the British High Commission, the show concept called on designers to give their best runway interpretations of the Commonwealth countries assigned to them.
The designers gave brilliant representations of countries like Namibia, Zambia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, South Africa, Nigeria and Tanzania, to the delight of the crowd which included some of the country’s high commissioners and ambassadors.
Embracing collaboration
While the event was primarily to showcase UNAM’s fashion talents, organisers also took the opportunity to integrate other artists from the Humanities Department. The MC, for example, is an English student, while the main dance performance of the evening came from the university’s Aawambo cultural troupe.
British High Commissioner to Namibia, Charles Moore, thanked the Commonwealth Secretariat for their support in making the event possible while acknowledging the power of fashion in the expression of cultural exchange. In a brief speech, he highlighted the transformative power of fashion in fostering cultural exchange and understanding, which guests bore witness to.
Namibian fashion icons hit the runway
An exciting aspect of the Commonwealth Fashion Show was how it brought some of Namibia’s most iconic designers back to the runway. The feeling of nostalgia was undeniable as we witnessed fashion designers who last showcased as far back as 2017 bring back some much-needed fanfare to the industry.
Chakirra Claasen, who now dedicates her time to teaching and mentoring young designers, was last in the headlines when she revealed her stunning Master’s collection in 2017. As part of this event, Chakirra showed her undeniable talent and mastery in textile and construction in her pieces dedicated to the East African country of Kenya.
Another UNAM lecturer, Maria Caley, treated guests to her traditionally inspired work and was in her element representing Nigeria. Loini Nyanyukweni, also a seasoned designer, stunned the crowd with her exceptional take on South African fashion.
Working together closely with their assigned country’s high commissioners, the UNAM alumni showcased a deep understanding and care for cultural representation. It was evident from the garments that many conversations preceded the conceptualisation and execution of all the pieces, resulting in creativity within the bounds of being tasteful and culturally sensitive.
A spark reignited
Apart from the Commonwealth attire on display, attendees saw snapshots of all the designers’ original works from previous collections.
Overall, the Commonwealth Fashion Show was a refreshing event for the fashion space and an opportunity to enjoy some of Namibia’s best-kept fashion secrets. It not only had guests buzzing with excitement throughout the colourful event, but it also served as an opportunity for the Commonwealth community in Namibia to connect and network at a platform celebrating all of them.
Perhaps most of all, this event lit a fire in the participants who all started their fashion careers at the biggest fashion school in Namibia. Judging from the conversations at the event and long after – including talks of making the event an annual affair due to its success – we can only expect more from this talented group who reminded us all that fashion is truly and well alive in Namibia!
