The Simply You Magazine Lifestyle and Fashion Awards (SYMLAFA) is around the corner and Namibia’s creatives are eagerly waiting to see who takes home the coveted prizes.
Two years after its inception, the awards still recognise the country’s creative trailblazers in a way that has never been done before. From radio personalities and bloggers to models and designers, the nominees are all young and innovative.
The Weekender takes a look at some of the big names in various categories of the fashion industry who have made it into the competition this year.
Beautification is an art and there are some make-up artists who have built solid foundations and contoured their brands’ success in the industry.
The four women competing to be Namibia’s favourite make-up artist of 2019 are Hannah Nangula, Suoma Katshuna, Nancy Shafa and Malu DaSilva.
Nangula, an industry veteran, recently launched her own cosmetics line which caters to Namibian women. The passionate make-up artist has mentioned previously to The Weekender that she hopes to create a full range of her own cosmetics and encourages young MUAs to also follow their dreams.
Shafa, also an entrepreneur with her own brand, Prestige Beauty, offers a variety of make-up applications for weddings, matric farewells or even your music video.
Also very vocal when it comes to cosmetics, Katshuna was previously a panellist for the informative ‘Model’s Checklist to Success’ event, where she offered tips to young models.
DaSilva is working on a brand and has worked with various local celebrities. Upon the release of the nominees, DaSilva expressed that she is deeply humbled by the nomination.
Nangula shared similar sentiments: “Thank you so much for the nomination. So humbled”.
DJ Alba (House of Nalo), Miss Namibia second princess Johanna Swartbooi (‡Nu/Goa – Black Child), Duchess Akrina (Elements) and Amâna Design are battling it out for favourite accessories designer.
Akrina’s Elements line is filled with affordable quality custom accessories, bridal accessories and vintage clothing items.
House of Nalo recently expanded with the locally inspired Empress earring line which makes use of traditional odelela fabric in its designs. Nalo aspires to make her brand a household name. “I still have so many ideas that I want to bring to life under House of Nalo, we are not going anywhere any time soon.”
Another brand deeply rooted in Namibian culture is Amâna Design. Amâna is a Khoekhoegowab word which means truthful, a motto for the brand to remain true to itself and its cultural heritage.
As we work down the list from make-up to accessories, the next step would be adding a dash of style to the equation. Nominated for favourite stylist are Aubrey TJ, Reinhard Mahalie, Jeffrey Hiuii and Yverischka Bok. Aubrey TJ previously took home the prize, a win that had a positive impact on his career.
“People take me more seriously now and they can see it’s something real and legit. It added credit to my name and when I’m introduced as an ‘award-winning stylist’ everything changes,” he told The Weekender.
What would the fashion industry be without designers? Lending their artistic and imaginative capabilities to the Namibian fashion scene, home-grown designers have certainly added priceless value to the industry. So who will be Namibia’s favourite designer? The nominees are Pewa Proud, Ruberto Scholtz, Foxxy by FoxyGinnah and Simeone Johannes with SynEDGY.
These names have been engraved in the local fashion industry. Scholtz has dressed numerous celebrities on various red carpets and has recently made the switch to bridal with his intricate detailing.
FoxyGinnah and Johannes have redefined what urban fashion and couture ought to be with their respective brands while Pewa Proud dabbles in glamour.
Still in the infancy stages of design, Gweri Vintage, Concept by Cassidy, ByLibi and By Jeaneva are competing for the favourite emerging designer award.
Other nominees include Augusto Bolas, Creative Lab, AM Photography and Sparkle Studios in the favourite photographer category; Mukendu Ndjavera, Kennedy Amadhila, Moses Albert and Divali Uirab for favourite male model, and Varaa Haimbira, Allison Lou, Chelsi Shipanga and Leena Shipwata for favourite female model.
The SYMLAFAs will take place on Saturday, 10 August, at the Nampower Convention Centre. Tickets are available Events Today. Check out Simply You Magazine on Instagram for how to vote for your favourite creatives.
– @jonathan_sasha on Twitter; @jonathan.sasha on Instagram
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