Namibian fashion brand Hendrick has officially unveiled a new logo, switching from using the iconic image of revered leader kaptein Hendrik Witbooi to a similar profile honouring co-founder Paulus Kanyangela’s late grandfather.
Together with his partner, Gerson Imene, the brand has been refined over the last few years.
“The idea came to mind back in 2018, during my first year of university; it was but a mere thought, ‘this face would really stand out on a product’,” Kanyangela explains. “The clothing line has and continues to be centred around designs which allow a lot of room for interpretation. This will soon be seen through the pieces we plan to release in future.”
Hendrik Wear’s catalogue includes flax linen shirts woven from the fibres of the flax plant as well as the 100% cotton Hendrik oversized shirt for N$800. Previous collections included dresses, button ups, matching shorts and a corduroy jacket. These are all manufactured locally and they prioritise naturally made products and quiet luxury.
According to their ethos, Hendrik stems from ‘the boy’s only memory with the old man – a mere walk on the farm land’, embodying the quiet luxury of nature, heritage and timeless craftsmanship.
Each piece, they say, reflects the warmth of that moment: the wisdom passed down in silence – a narrative designed not to define, but to resonate.
The original logo featuring kaptein Hendrik Witbooi helped the brand gain notoriety when it first went public in 2021.
The late traditional leader was a military strategist and anti-colonial freedom fighter who played a pivotal role in resisting German colonial rule during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His image is extremely popular and is currently embossed on Namibia’s national currency, namely the 50, 100 and 200 dollar notes.
The change in imagery comes after years of the pair unsuccessfully trying to gain the right to use the likeness of the late hero. To do this properly, Kanyangela and Imene sought to establish dialogue with the Witbooi royal family.
The family was not comfortable with the proposal or with the duo proceeding with their plans, and so naturally declined to give permission for the use of the kaptein’s image. There were also some calls on social media from Namibians who wanted to be sure the Witbooi family and estate were properly included and compensated.
“Consequently, we had to discontinue the use of the old logo,” Kanyangela states, though the moniker will remain.
The change marks a significant shift in the brand’s identity, but not its spirit. The new logo now features a different face. According to him, this decision was as personal as it was practical, signalling a return to storytelling through personal heritage and emotional memory.
“The memories I shared with my late grandfather aren’t many but they were significant in my upbringing,” Kanyangela says. “Through our coming designs, I am telling pieces of our stories but not in a way that gives all the answers. I want people to see our pieces and connect with them in their own way.”
Next on the brand’s roll-out are Sorona golf shirts, set to be released in August, as well as exciting collaborations as they continue to iterate in Namibia’s textile space, hoping to break barriers.
“Hendrik is a Namibian luxury brand. When you hear, see, feel and wear Hendrik, be reminded that we do not compromise on quality and we do not compromise on price,” he adds.
For more, visit www.hendrickfashion.com.
– Anne Hambuda is a poet, writer and social commentator. Follow her online or email her at annehambuda@gmail.com for more.
