Loveknot Designs hosts first fashion show

Loveknot Designs launched its first annual fashion show ‘The Fire and The Sky’ at Swakopmund.

The collection was rooted in glamour, grace and inspired by fashion themes at the MET Gala.

Belinda Revill, the fashion designer and owner of Loveknot Designs, says she focused on executing technically difficult gowns flawlessly, and to really emphasise the brand’s capability to meet international industry standards.

“My core clientele include pageant contestants, brides and matriculants. Presently, 80% of our custom work comes from matric farewells and pageantry, and 20% from the bridal industry,” Revill says.

She says she chose colours and patterns viewed in outer space by the James Webb Telescope.

“We recreated a lot of galaxy swirls, starlight shimmers and complex texturing reminiscent of our Milky Way. Hence, the colours were also reflective of that inspiration, including vibrant golds, fiery reds, glossy champagne and evocative midnight blues. The luxury gowns require luxury fabrics. Various Namibian fabric suppliers, source lace, Zara satin, velvet and organza for me,” Revill says.

She says she was always keen to try something new.

“Considering my 20-year career in fashion design, it was a personal journey for me. I believe that being passionate about my work and chasing my life-long dream has brought the brand the immense 300% year-on-year growth that we are experiencing,” she says.

She says working on a collection requires hard work, laser focus on detail and needs to feel cohesive.

“Every time I commit to a big project such as this I feel really alive. Every artist has their own voice. It feels good to make opportunities for myself to present my unique brand. The show was to establish my brand and to prove that we can compete internationally. I want to prove that the local fashion industry is talented and on par with the rest of the world,” she said.

Revill holds a B-Tech in fashion design from Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria, South Africa. She has worked as a part-time designer for the past 20 years. Her work consists of designing and creating custom gowns.

In 2019, Revill opened her fashion studio, where she has a fully equipped workshop. There is also a boutique where clients can buy ready-made cocktail dresses, evening gowns and bridal gowns.

She ventured into the industry three years ago after she saw a bridal boutique for sale.

“I named my business after the old Celtic tradition of tying the couple’s hands together during their marriage ceremony. A loveknot is a celebration of the things that hold us together. I grew up in a household of creative people. My mother is always busy with arts and crafts. My sister has a phenomenal talent for interior design. My father is a brilliant photographer. And everyone in my family has worked on stage for some duration,” she says.

Revill says she is following in her great-grandmother and grandmother’s footsteps – they were both seamstresses. Her mother gave her her first sewing machine when she was six years old and also taught her how to use it.

“Doing this feels like I’m playing with Barbies all day. I browse the fabric stores daily and buy fabrics which, in my mind, immediately translate into beautiful gowns. I love meeting new people and investing myself into creating their dream looks. The real reward is when the client is twirling and smiling in front of the big mirrors in my dressing room. That’s when I feel a real sense of purpose and achievement,” she says.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.