House of Poulton continues to capture Namibia’s art and fashion landscapes with its designs inspired by nature.
Founder Melisa Poulton’s recent runway show took the country by storm with its purple and blue colours representing Jacaranda trees.
Last week, Poulton hosted a night of arts with House of Poulton in Windhoek, filled with fashion lovers, art enthusiasts and local artists, all sipping wine together.
The night’s highlight was the screening of a short film ‘House of Poulton’, shot in Namibia, where nature’s elements converge. The inspiration drawn from these elements tells the story of House of Poulton luxury.
“This is Namibian fashion. I am the luxury that you seek. I am inspired by the sun, the fire within, with the wind blowing through my fabric, touching the world around me, making the impossible possible. I am Namibian fashion. I am Namibian luxury,” narrates the film.
Poulton says 26 years ago, her journey started as a little girl inspired by the movie ‘101 Dalmatians’.
“Ever since that day, I decided to become a fashion designer. Inspired by childhood stories and experiences, which made and moulded me along my journey to the dream,” she says.
The ‘House of Poulton’ short film tells the story of House of Poulton, what inspires them and what they design.
Poulton’s collection is nature-inspired, with some of the inspirational elements drawing her back into childhood memories.
“I was taught how to swim by my father, he taught me how to lift myself in the water, he taught me how to kick and he taught me how to float. Water reminds me a great deal of my childhood how we used to play in the water on the farm with Granny sitting nearby with a watchful eye on us,” she says.
One of the collections is inspired by the element wind, creating a sense of freedom and boundless possibilities.
“Wind is about dancing in open fields, imagine flowing garments catching through the wind, catching the airy and ethereal quality of your movements. Wind has endless possibilities; it cannot be seen but it can be felt,” she says.
BONJOUR!
Poulton is currently preparing for House of Poulton’s debut at Paris Fashion Week.
She will be the first Namibian designer to showcase her work in France.
“I have been invited to showcase during Paris Fashion Week through Fashion Week Studio,” she announced.
House of Poulton will be on show at the Westin Paris, Vendôme, on 26 and 27 September.
“I feel very happy and proud of House of Poulton and feel so honoured,” she says.
Poulton traces House of Poulton’s humble beginnings from her premiere showcase at the Warehouse Theatre in 2011 and her first client in 2012, to the opening of her sparkling mini boutique in Windhoek West.
“I would like to thank my mom and dad. They are my biggest sponsors and supporters,” she says.
House of Poulton marketing associate Hilary Wang said at the event that Poulton, being in the industry for more than 10 years, has shown resilience and strength.
“She has been doing her thing on her own with no sponsorships apart from her parents. I ask everyone to support Melisa. It doesn’t have to be monetary assistance, even sharing her poster,” said Wang.
The night was filled with vibrant faces, a fashion show featuring designs by Synergy and ST Key Fashions and artwork by Amee-Lee Diergaardt and Fallon Strauss-Nghihalua, among others.
Wang said they have two more events to go, with the more exciting one being a “fashion gala dinner.”
Miss Namibia chief executive Umbi Karuaihe-Upi applauded House of Poulton’s commitment, saying that everything Namibia does is high quality and that is what they show the world. She made this comment on designer Poulton’s departure to Paris. – UnWrap.online
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