Brand Watch Aims to Reduce Fashion Imports

Upcoming fashion show, ‘Brand Watch’, is aimed at reducing the imports that most Namibians rely and depend on.

The event, now in its second year, is organised by Affinity Model Agency, and is expected to take place at Tall Trees in Windhoek on Saturday, 1 June a 19h00.

Organiser of the event, Petrina Shetunyenga, said they want to discourage imports, because foreign goods are substituting the local goods in the market.

“This is killing our economy, increasing the unemployment rate and leading the youth to the streets which increases the crime rate. Imports have a huge effect on our country in that the trade deficit will cause currency devaluation,” Shetunyenga said.

One of the designers, Jarino Thomas from Lowcut Trading – a company that offers printing and design services – will showcase at the upcoming event.

He said not having a lot of options to find good quality materials in Namibia causes designers to import fabrics. “As a designer, I want to come up with something unique with a taste of African culture, but it’s hard getting enough materials to put together to have a range of 100% locally made items. We local designers are facing this challenge where we have no other option but to rely on foreign-made materials,” Thomas said.

He believes the Namibian government should invest in the local fashion industry. “This will really help the industry to grow. We need equipment that can enable us to manufacture our own fabrics which will be an advantage for the Namibian youth, as it will create job opportunities and at the same time contribute to the economy of our country.”

The event also aims to encourage the public to support local products. “By just supporting local, one can make a huge impact. When local businesses grow, it does not only keep money in the community, but also makes it possible for more opportunities to be created such as jobs, events and growth that keeps the youth off the streets. It also feels good to support another’s work. It is always a good feeling knowing exactly where your money went and where the items you got come from. It’s an even better feeling knowing that you helped make someone’s dream a reality,” Shetunyenga said.

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