When Melisa Poulton puts her mind to something, you can expect nothing but the best.
Poulton, who has become a household name in Namibian fashion, is certainly something of a trendsetter. Her designs have been described as sexy, daring and powerful, which is probably why many well-known celebrities opt to wear her clothes.
In 2015, she dressed and styled the hosts for the Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) and just recently, she showcased her newest collection in Zambia at the Lusaka July.
“I was invited to showcase a 10-piece collection, which I based on the theme for this year’s show – ’21st Century Garden’. I used fresh flowers on some of the garments to give it the garden feel. They looked great because of the different, vibrant colours,” she said.
Poulton’s designs consisted of a variety of materials such as taffeta, organza, chiffon, tulle and mesh.
“It was my first time working with flowers. Honestly, it was not that bad. I actually liked working with them. I enjoyed playing around. I could be creative and have fun with the designs.”
The collection took her about a month. “At the fashion show, I liked interacting with the people who were very open to fashion and loved my sense of creativity.”
Although Namibians won’t have the opportunity to see this collection in a fashion show, the designs will be available for sale.
“Namibians can purchase the designs from the collection, but items are only available in those sizes. At this moment, I am working on another project for a small showcase which will be available by August, in time for spring.”
Besides the upcoming collection, Poulton also has plans to broaden the House of Poulton brand by adding menswear. She first designed for men during the Jan Jooster showcase, in collaboration with Jägermeister and fellow fashion designer and friend Leah Misika. The sports collection consisted of both male and female wear and proved to be a learning experience for the talented designer.
“I am known for designing evening wear and dresses for women only. It is true that menswear is more difficult to design but I am up for the challenge. I am looking at more urban, ready-to-wear clothes for men. I feel it is good for a fashion designer to have clothing available for both men and women.”
Poulton says since she was in Grade 7, she couldn’t wait to grow up so that she could become a fashion designer. The ambition was cemented when she watched ‘101 Dalmatians’.
“I saw how the lady sketched the glamorous garments. It all looked so fabulous and I immediately fell in love with the idea of fashion and clothing. I used to say one day I will do great things.”
This prophecy began fulfilling itself early on in her career when she created magic at her first showcase. “The first garment I did as a student in Cape Town was entered into a young fashion designer competition in 2010 for the Durban July,” she says. “I was selected as part of the top 20 finalists.”
The former student at Cape Academy of Fashion and Design held her very first fashion show in 2012.
“I have been building myself up over the past few years, networking and meeting different people within the fashion industry. I hope to now broaden my networking to other African countries and learn even more from other fashion practitioners outside Namibia.”
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