Fashion designer Melisa Poulton is set to fulfil a lifelong dream as she prepares for House of Poulton’s debut at Paris Fashion Week.
Poulton announced the illustrious invitation at the exclusive launch of her ready-to-wear and rental boutique, alongside the news of a new distribution outlet through African Fashion International (AFI).
“I have been invited to showcase during Paris Fashion Week through Fashion Week Studio,” says Poulton. House of Poulton will be on show at the Westin Paris, Vendôme on 26 and 27 September. Poulton’s designs will also be sold at House of Nala by AFI in Sandton, Johannesburg.
“I feel very happy and proud of House of Poulton and feel so honoured,” she says. “I feel excited and nervous at the same time, yet ready for this new journey.”
Speaking to the gathering of friends, family and fashion industry professionals at her recent boutique and website launch, Poulton traced 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.
“Those of you that have been here from the start know the phases this studio space has gone through,” said Poulton, who began her designing journey in the small garage of her family home.
“Today, I can say I have created my dream space. I have my production area and a client consultation area too. The space was created in such a way for me to host mini shows, have a mini boutique and do all my photography when need be.”
As the launch went on, propelled by gin cocktails and salmon canapes, Poulton gave thanks to her father and to her friend Ujama Swartz who inspired a much-needed name change. Fashion Week founder Luis Munana earned a further vote of thanks for providing the stage Poulton employed to develop and showcase her craft, and collaborators/brand ambassadors Lize Ehlers, Leah Misika, Lioness and Oteya were appreciated for their friendship and years of support.
Guests were then invited to shop for everyday wear, for maternity and engagement shoots, as well as red carpet events or to try on rental garments from previous lines. Scenes from the studio’s glossy new website, houseofpoulton.com, played on a loop as House of Poulton marketing associate Hilary Wang offered charming tours of the space.
Wang says over the next few months the essence of House of Poulton will be on full display in a series of events and showcases in support of the studio’s debut in Paris. Fashion enthusiasts are encouraged to watch the space for an incoming Met-style affair and more.
House of Poulton’s aim is to become a global luxury brand and Poulton is inspired by the four elements and nature in general. Last year’s lilac and gauzy ‘Jacaranda’ collection has been particularly popular and speaks to Poulton’s aptitude for structuring different fabrics to create feminine, bold and powerful silhouettes.
“Launching this mini boutique means so much to me. After 12 years, I have slowly started to reach the goals I set for myself at the very beginning,” says Poulton.
“Today, I can say I’m finally at the start of where I want to be.”
– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
