It’s that time of the year again when students at the arts department at the University of Namibia (Unam) and those at the College of The Arts (Cota) start preparing to showcase their fashion works for the year. Both institutions are highly esteemed and have consistently produced some of Namibia’s finest fashion designers.
Every November, the Unam Visual and Performing Arts Department of the University of Namibia showcases the works of its fashion design students at a spectacular annual show at the FNCC. The event has been growing from strength to strength with each consecutive year, both with regard to the quality of the designs and their professional presentation.
This year, the work of student and graduate designers will be complemented by the latest collections of two invited alumni students of Unam who by now have started successful careers as independent fashion designers in Namibia.
The Unam annual fashion show is made possible with the support of the National Arts Council of Namibia, who has awarded a grant towards technical costs of the event, and Standard Bank Namibia, who have been loyal supporters of the Visual Arts Department of Unam since 2001, also awarding bursaries to the students.
Not to be outdone, Cota also hosts it’s annual fashion show at the end of each year, showing fabulous collections by it’s diploma in fashion students. The opening of the schools’ annual arts exhibition will be followed by a Fashion Show with a difference. Designs on display will include conventional fashions such as cocktail dresses and suits, as well as wacky outfits made from found objects, cardboard, plastic and bottle tops. Media students display their graphic works and sculptures made from a variety of materials will adorn the centre.
Adding some holiday flair to the event, Christmas shopping will be optional at the college’s end of year exhibition: hand painted textiles, scarves, cushions, handbags and beautiful handcrafted jewellery pieces will be on display and for sale on the opening night and for the remainder of the term. The fashion show takes place on 15 November at the Cota Katutura campus from 18h30. More information on the event can be obtained by calling Nicky Marais on 081273 5044, or Pieter Van Wyk on 061 277300.
The Unam fashion show will be held at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) Gallery/Terrace on Friday, 22 November at 20h00. Tickets sell for N$50 and N$20 for students with valid student card.
