The Future of Namibian Fashion

The return of the MTC Windhoek Fashion Week (MTCWFW) was reminiscent of pre-Covid times, and with it came some incredible events that shook up the Namibian world of fashion and showcased ideas that left most of us inspired.

Big ups to the designers involved as the collections truly upgraded familiar silhouettes to daring outfits, thanks to their craftsmanship. This was a beacon of hope that Namibian fashion truly is and has taken strides worth noticing.

MTCWFW came to fruition after months of blood, sweat, and tears, but it did not keep naysayers and social media critics from having a field day blasting the organisers for allegedly wasting MTCs millions on a “high-school Valentines Day” event.

Some criticism was less brutal and instead looked at the absence of practical ready-to-wear outfits, or street gear which can be sold to consumers for everyday wear.

On Twitter, Himbagirl said the time has come for Namibian designers to start thinking of street style as more than just cargo pants, joggers, and repurposed utility shirts.

On the other hand, leading economists John Steytler and Salomon Hei highlighted that the creative industry has massive income and job-creation potential.

Hei urged Namibians to use the collective wisdom and meeting of minds to propel these ideas into practical solutions.

The following collections stood out:

LUXURY AKA ZURIEL

This stunning new clothing line can be described as passion meeting fashion.

This is one of many ways to describe the two-year-old brand by Luis Munana.

Munana, founder and organiser of the event, says he has worked many nights on the designs for his Zuriel clothing line.

What do you get when you add rich textures, colourful palettes, and precise details? A fashionable standing ovation!

“I was anxious about putting my designs out there, and I did not know how it would be received. I needed to do it, I did not have a choice, and that is what kept me up all those nights. But I got creative for a reason, so I had to put it out,” Munana says.

“At the end of the day it was a whole team that worked hand in hand to put together 40-plus looks against all odds.”

FASHION AND MUSIC

This year, like last year, rapper Lioness was seen donning the Nkanda Yatu luxury clothing brand from Zambia on the blue carpet.

Lioness opened the designers showcasing with her hit song Superstar.

For Namibia, it is not rare to see celebrities model for local fashion houses, as another surprise was DJ Castros catwalk.

The influencer and artist definitely stuck out as the non-model out of the group during Zuriels slot, but held his own and did a great job.

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

Just like every other fashion house Lual Barny wanted to have a fashion show that was innovative, unique, and caught the attention of everyone. Well, they succeeded in that goal tenfold as they created a fashion-show slot with their crocheted outfits that ranged from swimwear to two-piece outfits, shorts, and tops that can be worn every day all year long.

Lets call it a fashion-forward twist.

KIDS IN FASHION

The childrens line by MTCs new online shop Bluetick and Zuriel are perhaps the closest the fashion week came to a ready-to-wear offering.

REALLY MADE IN NAMIBIA

The collection also showcased that leather accessories are not boring as they came through with a variety of chic leather bags, gloves, shirts, and masks.

The collection is for both hard -working and hard-playing fashionistas who want to stand out.

SEXY CUT-OUTS

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