From Suits to Couture Gowns - Pfohls Elevates Windhoek Retail Scene

Pfohls Men’s Outfitters, a Windhoek-based high-end fashion store trading since 1951, has undergone a lavish transformation. The recently unveiled space now features a female section, a stunning bridal boutique and a lounge fit for the ever-so-stylish bride.

For fashion lovers, walking into the modernised version of the legacy store can be likened to a six-year-old experiencing a candy shop for the first time. With racks and shelves showcasing designer garments for men and women, it’s a shopper’s paradise. The male section remains fully stocked with tailored shirts, pants, suits and accessories for any occasion, while the new female section is equally impressive. Think day dresses, evening gowns, casual and corporate wear… you’ll find it all at Pfohls.

Another feature of the revamped store is an extensive collection of new and previously owned luxury brands such as Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior, Hermès and many other renowned designer brands. This additional offering caters to those who love the finer things in life, whether they have deep pockets or not. Seemingly reading my mind as my eyebrows lift with the mention of six-figure price tags, co-owner Cobus Möller assures me that shoppers have the option of a 3-month lay-bye to purchase without breaking the bank.

The store design is another feature to marvel at. The aesthetic decor in all sections is mesmerising, and the floorlength mirrors and lush seating ensure shopping here will be a pleasant experience. On a tour of the revamped store, the owners proudly show off bespoke decor and hand-crafted finishings that make it hard to believe it took only eight weeks to complete the store renovations. Dressing rooms are plenty, and the staff are on hand to give personalised service to each shopper.

Power partnership

The new and improved Pfohls is the culmination of a vision by co-owners Cobus Möller (head designer) and Natalia Zvonareva (creative director) for Windhoek to have its first world-class fashion department store. Cobus is a seasoned Namibian designer who built a name for himself as a couture designer. Natalia is an interior designer and fashion collector who loves sourcing rare fashion finds.

Tailored to perfection

Pfohls has a long-standing history of offering tailoring assistance to its shoppers. As part of the new offering, women and brides-to-be also receive free tailoring services for every garment they purchase. Head designer Cobus graduated with top honours from Melbourne School of Fashion, where he polished his skills in design, advanced pattern making and production through contrasting areas in tailoring, leather wear and bridal gowns. Today, Cobus has found a home at Pfohls, where his creativity runs free as a bridal designer. He is also on hand for customers who need any alterations on garments bought in the store, lending his impeccable skills and eye for design to ensure that every customer leaves happy.

For in-store styling, co-owner and creative director Natalia is your go-to girl. Her years of experience as an interior designer and shopping at the most exclusive shopping destinations have taught her invaluable styling lessons and the value of luxury customer support. Her eye for designer brands also comes in handy when sourcing brands from retailers, especially from individuals. She explains, “Sourcing original brands is a two-way street for us. We get people who WhatsApp us, claiming to have original brands to sell to us. When we get to inspect the items, they sometimes turn out to be fake or dupes. On the other hand, customers need to trust that we are selling authentic brands, and I can assure you that we do. We have a very intense authentication process and research to ensure we only stock original brands.”

The future of Namibian luxury shopping

Looking to the future, Cobus and Natalia envision Pfohls becoming one of the leading shopping destinations for Southern Africans. “This is the first Namibian department store for luxury brands, selling new, second-hand and consignment pieces,” says Cobus. When I ask if we would find Namibian brands in the store, he confirms it without hesitation. The vision, he says, is to accommodate Namibian brands alongside international ones, as long as they are of high quality.

For exclusivity, only one design per item is stocked at any time, and bridal customers are assisted by appointment only. “Bridal fashion and tailoring is very time-consuming, so we only do it by appointment,” explains Cobus. For the stylish bride who dreams of making their big day special with a Pfohls dress, this dream can come true for as little as N$2,000, and for those who are not scared to splash out for the special occasion, prices go up to N$150,000 per dress.

So whether you are a Namibian who loves premium fashion or a style-conscious tourist, your time at Pfohls will make you feel like you have walked into Harrods or Bergdorf Goodman. And if that is the case, Cobus and Natalia have achieved their dream of positioning the store as Namibia’s premium department store.

Follow Pfohls on Instagram @pfohlsfashion and visit them on 29 Independence Avenue, Windhoek.

Rukee Kaakunga