Namibian designer takes flight in Austria

Austria-based designer Isack Imene is building his fashion brand and taking it to big stages.

Together with his best friend, Viktor Mörth, he co-founded Fly With Us, a label that focuses on culture, confidence and ambition.

Imene’s journey began in Namibia, where he lived till he was 12. His grandmother owned a sewing machine and made garments, which he became interested in.

After relocating to Vienna, he began expressing himself through clothing in high school and became known as the student who dressed differently and confidently.

That personal style, which Imene and Mörth bonded over, formed part of the foundation for their business.

At around 21 years old, the two decided to make and sell T-shirts together. When people started liking the designs, they realised it could grow into something bigger. From there, the brand developed step by step.

Today, Fly With Us is a two-year-old venture that has shown collections at major fashion platforms in Austria, including Vienna Fashion Week.

For Imene, presenting on big stages was an important milestone in a city with a small fashion scene.

“That moment really felt like it was the first time I did something,” he says.

“You can only talk about your plans so many times, but we never really got to show anything for real even with our parents and with friends. So it’s the first time everybody else got to see there is something we’re doing.”

The brand is based in Austria, where Imene (24) currently lives, but Namibia remains central to his identity and creative direction.

On the runway, he has presented pieces that include the Namibian flag and designs inspired by traditional clothing like Ondelela fabric.

What sets Fly With Us apart is the mix of culture, friendship, and mindset.

The brand combines Namibian and Austrian influences in one space, and also carries a motivational message aimed at young people who want to achieve their goals.

It’s about taking ownership of your life and understanding that your goals are not unrealistic.

The collaboration between the two men is based on their close friendship and respective cultures.

Imene says they do not work with strict rules, instead sharing ideas freely and discussing every concept together. They are not afraid to say when something doesn’t work, and they are also open to building on bold ideas.

Mörth plays an important role in the vision of the brand.

He describes himself as someone who believes in growth and discipline.

The brand slogan, ‘Fly To Your Goals’, reflects this mindset.

For them, flying is a symbol of elevation and represents rising above fear, doubt, and limits.
“I don’t just like dreaming big, I like executing.

Everything I do is about pushing forward, evolving and proving that with discipline and belief, you can create your own reality,” he says.

Their latest designs include streetwear elements such as loose-fit jeans, casual tops, and layered pieces.

At the same time, the collections also include more structured and refined items. Imene says he wants the brand to show variety.

“With this being our first runway and our first big public appearance, the first response was people noticing, for the first time, that there’s a new brand here who’s willing to do more than just a few drops. No, we’re willing to put our city on the map, not only here but in general,” he says.

For him, this is just the beginning.

He says he does not know exactly where it will lead, but he and his partner are committed to consistency.

They want the brand to keep appearing on bigger platforms, delivering strong collections, and building a community around its message, which is simple: fly toward your goals.

– Anne Hambuda is a poet, writer, social commentator and novelist. Follow her online or email her at annehambuda@gmail.com for more.

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