Local Is Not Lekker!

… Namibian Olympics team bashed for opting for French designer

The Namibian Fashion Council (NFC) is not impressed with the Namibian Olympic team’s decision to have this year’s national uniform designed by a French designer, instead of local designers.

According to NFC chairperson Helao Mathiasa, the Olympics team missed an opportunity to support and uplift a local designer.

French luxury designer brand Yves Salomon crafted the Namibian outfits worn during the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

“It is with a heavy heart that I address the recent decision to have the Namibian Olympic team wear a uniform designed by a French designer, rather than showcasing the remarkable talent of Namibian designers.

“Local designers are crucial in providing employment and fostering innovation within the country. By outsourcing the design, Namibia sends a message that it does not fully recognise or value its own creatives, which can be disheartening for young designers striving to establish themselves in a competitive industry,” Mathiasa says.

He highlights that youth unemployment is a concerning issue in Namibia, profoundly affecting the social and economic landscape.

He says the high unemployment rate among young people leaves many feeling disenfranchised and without viable prospects for the future, which contributes to social instability and stifles the growth of a dynamic workforce essential for the country’s development.

“Namibian designers possess a unique understanding of the country’s heritage and culture, enabling them to create garments that truly represent the nation’s spirit,” he says.

Mathiasa says investing in local fashion designers can bolster national pride and identity, and by choosing to showcase their work on an international stage, Namibia can demonstrate its commitment to fostering homegrown talent and celebrating its cultural richness.

He says the choice is not merely a matter of fashion; it reflects Namibia’s values and priorities as a nation.

“Our athletes will be representing Namibia on the world stage, and what they wear should symbolise our culture, our creativity and our ability to champion our own artisans. The decision to outsource the design of our Olympic uniforms to foreign designers is, quite frankly, an affront to the skill, passion and dedication of Namibian creatives who have worked tirelessly to build an indigenous fashion industry that deserves our support,” he says.

Mathiasa says choosing a foreign designer inadvertently sends a message that local talent is inferior or not worthy of recognition.

“This is not only detrimental to our fashion industry but is harmful to the very essence of national pride. We must not forget that fashion is a powerful form of expression; it is a canvas upon which we paint our dreams, challenges and triumphs.

“As the fashion council, we implore our stakeholders, sponsors and decision-makers to recognise the importance of investing in our own,” Mathiasa says.

Sports journalist Joviita Kandjumbwa says this year’s outfits are breathtaking, with a clean look and coats that show the Namibian flag when opened.

“I think it’s one of the best Olympics outfits I have seen. The collaboration idea with the Parisian designer is not bad, however, I would have preferred a collaboration with a local designer. In terms of visibility, the outfits might invoke some sort of interest to see what Namibia will do, however, it’s the performance of the athletes at the Olympics that will bring the visibility of the country to a global audience,” she says.

Kandjumbwa says she is excited to see how the athletes will perform.

“This year, we have a small group; rooting for them and wishing them all the best,” she says.

UnWrap.online reached out to the Namibia National Olympic Committee by phone for comments on the decision to use a French designer.

However, the person who answered said relevant individuals were currently in Paris and provided email addresses. Despite sending questions to the provided emails, we have yet to receive a response.
– UnWrap.Online