After nine years of giving exposure to both designers of the iconic Herero dress and to those who make a living designing the dress, the Herero dress competition will end this year.
“We have accomplished what we aimed to do which is the promotion of these dresses and those who design them. We have also created a platform for designers to show their talent,” says Emmy Tjiramba, one of the organisers and founders of the competition.
The platform this competition gives designers is so tremendous that it was the jumpstart for designers who are at the moment doing quite well for themselves.
McBright Kavari has dominated the competition, winning it three times. Christa Beukes won twice and so did Tekla Kauhova, who hails from Grootfontein.
“After having this competition for nine years, we have reached our mission and have seen designers grow to the extent of creating jobs for others as well,” said Emma.
She said that this was a platform to promote the Herero dress in such a way that it has evolved from simply being a traditional dress, to one that is loved by people “from all ethnic groups”, says Tjiramba.
Over the years, this was evident with the dress gaining recognition outside Namibia with international news networks such as CNN and The Daily Mail running features on the dress. This year, the dress reached another milestone as Miss Namibia, Paulina Malulu, wore one to the Miss Universe contest in Thailand.
This weekend, the last edition of the competition will take place at the Windhoek Country Club and Resort. Doors open at 18h00 with tickets selling for N$500 per person.
More information regarding ticket sales can be obtained by calling: 0811221421/ 082848517 or 08137918. Dress code for the event is formal, traditional or black tie.
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