Fans of the fashion design brand Nandii Martin, owned by Rauna Ndeilenga, will be pleased to hear that her second collection will be launched soon.
“It will consist of 20 garments,” says Ndeilenga. “Lately all I could think of designing was tailored suits for both men and women. In fact, I am currently learning how to make a pleated midi skirt with a wrap blazer for my new project.”
Ndeilenga draws inspiration from 60s and 80s streetwear.
“Honestly, everything that I design I would wear myself. My clothes cater to a lot of different shapes and sizes. I love seeing people wear the clothes that I made for them. I could stare at a picture of a client as it gives me the courage to continue pursuing this career.”
Ndeilenga, who works full-time as a sales executive, launched her first collection, ‘Ukeyo’, which means ‘living in the moment’, last year at Windhoek Fashion Week where she debuted five garments.
The designer says through her collection she would like to encourage the public to always wear what makes them comfortable.
“I decided to use cotton twill fabric because of its texture. My colour palette was orange, beige and grey – I love how the colours coordinated.”
Born and raised in Walvis Bay, Ndeilenga lost her heart to the fashion industry eight years ago after she found a sewing machine in her mother’s storage room.
“I took it out to find out more,” she recalls. “At first I did not know how to use it so I went on YouTube and searched ‘Sewing for Beginners’, and came across several videos. Threading the machine was easy, but learning how to sew straight took me months to master.”
Ndeilenga’s first design was a pencil skirt. She relates that as a self-taught designer she found it very challenging to showcase her work to the world and it took her over four years to become comfortable doing so.
“I used to make clothes only for my sister Julia who has been my model since the beginning. In 2017 I decided to build my brand.”
Some of her garments were showcased through the Cinderella Goes to Prom initiative, and Miss Plus Size Namibia 2019.
Today the 26 year old constantly aims to improve her skills and knowledge, and is still learning from YouTube videos and books to guide her through making patterns for different garments.
