High street fashion in Oshakati

By: JANA-MARI SMITH

WEDDINGS in the North are glamorous. And into this swirl of glitz and glamour, Feby Fashion Design’s owner, Febronia Kauvili has stepped in with a gifted eye for glamour and elegance.

Feby Fashion Design, in Oshakati, is run by Kauvili and two employees, who design and sow up to 50 pieces of clothing a week. Although she caters primarily for weddings, designing a complete collection of wedding dresses, dresses and suits for the flower girls, bride maids, best men, and the groom, Feby Fashion Design also caters for a wide range of clothing requirements.

“We make everything,” Kauvili said, standing in her shop where two employees were busily sowing, cutting, measuring and putting the finishing touches on a stunningly crafted flower girl jacket – chic, light-silver and perfectly feminine.

Kauvili began her business three years ago, after she completed seamstress and design training at a design school in Oshakati.

Although she says that “business is up and down”, a neighbour in the business complex where she is based, said Kauvili is well-known for her beautiful designs and quality output.

“Her quality is 100 per cent and that’s why I only come here, and bring my friends here,” a customer, Willem Hamuteta, said while being fitted for a suit.

An admirer, not only for her quality and eye for design, he added that Kauvili is a  “strong women” as evidenced by her determination to build up her own business, create designs, and overcome the challenges she has faced in a male dominated business environment.

Kauvili is 32-years-old and married. She stands out for her business savvy and her determination to make it, though she admits that she is “still struggling” financially.

She employs two seamstresses and pays rental and transport fees.

Kauvili is making her mark though. Her clothing designs, graceful, yet edgy, and with an up-to-date modest twist, stand out at the weddings taking place each weekend.

Customers can also rent ready-made bride’s dresses and groom’s outfits, which have been created by Kauvili. She caters for every clothing need and every purse.

Three years ago, when she launched Feby Fashion Design, Kauvili admits she “was scared. It was difficult in the beginning. Now, it is better.” 

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