Cynthia Schimming Showcases ‘Fashion Beyond Trends’

Former model, lecturer, clothing technologist and fashion designer Cynthia Schimming has ventured out of her comfort zone to host her first exhibition, ‘Fashion Beyond Trends’, currently on at the National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN) until 9 November.

This exhibition is not just about fashion, style and trends – it delves into past, future and current designs. As a strong believer in life-long learning, Schimming navigates her roles, which allow her to push boundaries and create something new from the merging and interaction of her expertise.

This process has opened up innovative avenues which reveal fresh aesthetics and expression of design. Her approach has become something of a dialogue between the old and the new; basic pattern drafting and draping; the complicated method of transformational reconstruction and origami-inspired designs.

Schimming said the aim of the exhibition is to inspire seamstresses, tailors and up-and-coming designers who are familiar with pattern drafting and manipulation, toile and the fundamentals of dart manipulation to integrate these into a complex final form.

“Besides the fact that I wanted to do something different I have not done before, I wanted to give back to the community. I wanted people, especially students, to come and learn.”

Schimming said the idea to host an exhibition was sparked in 2017 as she was hungry for a different platform to showcase her work, however, at the time, the gallery was fully booked.

“I am normally not part of Windhoek Fashion Week (WFW) and many people have been asking questions. When WFW is hosted, I am not available due to other commitments. I decided to still showcase my work. For me, this is much better than a fashion show because people can come and see my work in their own time. At a fashion show, the items are showcased fast. People only get to see them for that small period of time.”

Born in the apartheid era with a mix of German and Herero heritage, the designer has worked with fabrics such as cotton and recycled pleather.

One of the designs that stands out in ‘Fashion Beyond Trends’ is the ‘Herero Dress’, which features 100% organic cotton in black and white.

“The dress is mixed with some old and the new. I used modern head gear and a man’s belt, which is inspired by the genocide. Many years ago, the belt was used to curb hunger,” Schimming explained.

The exhibition also features a cream dress, suitable for a wedding or an evening event, which attracted a lot attention. The 66-year-old used recycled pleather to achieve the look.

She believes it is time for fashion designers to find ways to help save the environment.

“We all need to jump in and help make our earth a better place. The clothing industry is known as one of the industries that damages the planet,” she said.

Schimming’s exhibition also has something trendy for the youth. On display is a white shirtdress. “It’s long and comfortable to wear. It fits any size, because it’s loose around the body. They are trendy in Europe now and I know that many women in our country will also love them.”

Having recently received a lifetime achievement award at the inaugural Katutura Fashion Week (KFW) awards, Schimming is keen to continue giving back by hosting similar exhibitions in future.

“It might not happen next year, but I would like to do it again. I would like to consult other fashion designers to join and showcase their work. I am also thinking of getting a bigger venue.”

Since ‘Fashion Beyond Trends’ opened, Schimming’s phone has not stopped ringing.

“There is demand for such an event. People are enjoying it and so am I. It gives me great pleasure to see people coming and learning, especially students.”

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