The Perfect NAMAs Fashion

From Himba-inspired glam to full on lace and Afro chic outfits, socialites, celebs and music lovers stunned at last year’s Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs).

It still stands out as one of the biggest events on the Namibian music calendar, which explains the extra pressure for designers, make-up artists and stylists to create the perfect look for their customers this time around.

Last year saw the hosts styled by local designers for free under a traditional-inspired theme thanks to the sponsors, and although some did not step up to the plate, others certainly created a chain reaction of daring looks which had local audiences talking.

This year, the hosts are playing around with a military-theme, although attendees are free to don more African attire. With natural hair and minimal make-up making an impact this year, who’s to say that the NAMAs red carpet won’t see a similar impact?

Fashionista and radio presenter Adriano Visagie is well known for having a flair for fashion. He believes that local designers will make an impact this year. “For once, we can probably say that most of the designs are from in-house designers,” he said. “Namibian fashion is on a competitive scale. Thus from stage to the red/blue carpet, the fashion will speak for itself between those who walked into a retail shop and quickly grabbed something and those who really went the extra mile.”

What he’s keen to see are the outfits for the hosts. “I’m looking forward to what the hosts will be wearing as it’s quite a daunting task to do quick changes and come back to stage.”

Visagie also hinted at what he will be wearing at the prestigious event. “It’s definitely an ensemble by Ingo Shanyenge.”

Although designer Reinhard Mahalie remained mum on who exactly he would be dressing for the biggest entertainment event of the year, he certainly had his predictions.

“I expect to see a lot of colour,” he said. “I am also hoping that men’s styles are the standouts at this year’s NAMAs. Generally, women always bring it on the blue carpet. I think cut-outs might be a trend.”

Mahalie said he will probably be wearing a “three-piece suit or a double-breasted blazer”.

Fredrick Mutandi from the men’s clothing shop C-Squared said that it was tricky to predict the next trend. “People opt for more personal designs. Lately, fashion hasn’t really been about following a trend, but we’ve seen more men with skinnies and an overcoat. But I believe that it’s good that people don’t follow trends because Namibian fashion is always on the rise.”

Fashionistas have approached Mutandi for advice in attaining the perfect look. “Some bring concepts from a magazine, like a Kanye West outfit or something like that. It takes a lot of time, but we try to help them come up with something they are looking for. We have gotten a couple of ladies who come in for suits. That’s not something that happens every day. At one point, we even dressed Lize Ehlers. But a women’s cut is different from men’s cuts so we’d have to work on it,” he said.

Last year, radio presenter and fashion lover Felicia Mutonga rocked up to the NAMAs in a memorable mustard ensemble with model Lorna Mabuku and designer Ndapcee Kashanu. She stunned on stage when presenting an award.

While looking great may look easy, getting there is definitely a process.

“First things first, when you think NAMAs, you need to think ‘awards’, ‘unique’, ‘slayage’, ‘different’ and ‘stand out’,” said Mutonga. “What goes into creating a good NAMAs outfit is the mental understanding of what you are getting yourself into. This is an award show, not your regular fashion show or hip-hop festival, so pre-outfit planning is crucial. People always mistake that you want attention and the cameras are always rolling on you, but actually, it’s the outfit you put so much work and effort into, not forgetting advertising the designer too. Everyone’s got to eat!”

Although the theme for this year’s NAMAs is rather vague, Mutonga advised that being ‘you’ is crucial. “You need to understand the individualistic you, what piece of clothing makes you comfortable and what screams your style without having to say ‘yoh, this is my type of style’. It’s sad that ’til today, most don’t acknowledge what colour suits their skin tone.

“Colour is a crucial tool when it comes to outfit planning, especially if you’re trying to draw attention to the outfit. It makes sense why we went for mustard last year – it’s one colour that stands out, creating that statement you’re looking for and also one of the fewest colours that suit all skin tones.”

Still in the final stages of your outfit or don’t have an outfit in mind yet?

Visagie had a couple of pointers to share. “For those who haven’t planned what to wear, keep in mind that sequencing is everything with your outfit. If you wear a pair of jeans with a top, make sure you add a finishing touch to make it pop. Don’t do hats or shades at night unless you really have a bad hair day or baggy eyes. Dare to have a totally different look and get to your local designer pronto.”

“Allow local creativity to flow. Don’t fear asking a stylist for advice especially if you’re an artist because the expectations might just be too much,” he pointed out.

Mutonga also shared some advice: “Be careful. Live off the edge but also don’t do too much. Create your statement with colour pairing in the back of your mind. If you suck at this, then that’s where help of a stylist/designer comes in handy. For those with a little insecurity, to be safe, always think, ‘minimalistic’ but still ‘statement’.

“Don’t be safe. Who says you can’t look like Bonang with just a little coin in your pocket? Do smart research, designer wise, fabric wise, and spend within your means.”

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