• Pinehas NakazikoA local part-time model, emerging designer and veterinarian intern based in Russia, Elsie Tjituri, will be stepping onto the continental stage this weekend when she showcases her latest fashion collection at the Swahili Fashion Week and Awards in Tanzania.
The event is one of the largest fashion platforms in the region and beyond, showcasing the talent and creativity of the continent’s designers.
At the event, designers will be able to network with clientele and the international fashion industry.
The platform underscores the fact that fashion is an income-generating creative industry, and also promotes the ‘Made in Africa’ concept.
Tjituri is set to unleash her classy women’s wear collection under her fashion brand NgapX in Dar es Salaam from 3 to 5 December.
“I couldn’t be happier, but I still have to work harder to put my brand out there. Competition is tough, with all the established brands out there,” says an excited Tjituri.
“I started designing and stitching way back when I was nine years old. I remember my first piece, a pair of flowery white shorts that I stitched by hand because we didn’t have a sewing machine. My stepmom was so impressed that she bought a sewing machine,” says Tjituri.
“I didn’t take it seriously until I was discovered by a wonderful lady, Svetlana Dubovska, in 2019. She has been mentoring me since then, this is how the NgapX brand was born,” says Tjituri.
Tjituri was born and raised at the copper town of Tsumeb. She completed high school at Okakarara and completed a bachelor’s degree in science and a master’s in public health at the University of Namibia.
“When an opportunity presented itself back in 2014 to study veterinary medicine in Russia, I grabbed it with both hands since I have always been passionate about animals and their well-being. Being able to turn my passion for animals into a profession has been a blessing,” she says.
“Moving to Russia opened several doors for me. I came to realise my childhood dream of owning a clothing brand.”
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