Windhoek Fashion Week turns 10

A look back at a decade of style, struggle and success

This November, Namibia’s fashion calendar will hit a historic high note as the MTC Windhoek Fashion Week (MTCWFW) celebrates its 10th anniversary.

What began as a modest showcase has grown into a key platform for local creatives to show their work to national and continental audiences. From 5 to 8 November, the event will return to its base at Maerua Mall, with support from long-time partners such as the City of Windhoek and headline sponsor Mobile Telecommunications Limited, which has been instrumental in elevating the platform since 2020.

The event’s co-founder and creative director, Luis Munana, says the 10th anniversary is not only a celebration but testament to how far Namibia’s fashion industry has come.

“Ten years ago, we envisioned a future where Namibian fashion stands tall both locally and globally. Today, that vision is a reality. Our designers are showcasing not just clothes, but stories. ‘Made in Namibia’ has become a symbol of pride and identity,” he says.

Over the years, MTCWFW has hosted over 600 designers both local and international, and provided a stage to over 700 models. International names like South African designer David Tlale, Angola’s Nivaldo Thierry, and Nkanda Yatu have all featured, drawing the attention of the continent’s fashion elite to Windhoek.

However, the numbers only tell part of the story. The platform has also mentored over 450 interns, engaged more than 200 crew members and provided hands-on industry experience for photographers, stylists, and make-up artists.

“It’s not just about clothes, it’s about building a sustainable industry that empowers everyone, from the model to the stylist to the photographer,” says MTCWFW spokesperson Kalistu Mukoroli. “What we’ve done over 10 years is create a community. And that’s what makes this celebration important.”

This year’s model casting call is set for tomorrow at Et Cetera in Windhoek, and the requirements remain consistent: fitted black attire, Z-cards, and confidence. The event is open to male and female models aged 16 and above.

“Models are a major part of any fashion week,” says managing director Muundu Kasera. “We’ve seen incredible growth. Many of our models started with us and are now working internationally while also thriving on the local scene.”

For Munana and his team, one of the biggest achievements of the past year was seeing Namibian fashion take on international platforms.

“In 2024, we became a member of the Brics International Fashion Federation, and our designers are now being booked across Africa and Europe. This shows the kind of standard we’re building here,” he says.

Photographer Andrew Ingo, who began as an intern, became the first Namibian to independently shoot the MTCWFW runway after completing a three-year mentorship programme in runway photography. His story is testament to the value of the behind-the-scenes work the platform has nurtured.

“There are so many people like Andrew who are young, ambitious creatives who just need the space and mentorship to grow,” says Mukoroli.

The 2025 edition also sees the addition of Pupkewitz as a supporting partner, signalling stronger private sector interest in the industry.

“Fashion in Namibia is no longer on the sidelines,” Munana says. “With the right platforms and partnerships, our designers, models, and creatives can stand confidently anywhere in the world.”

The team is also working on strengthening regional collaborations. “We’re building ties with platforms like Batho Fashion Week in Botswana and Durban Fashion Fair in South Africa. Namibian designers deserve to be seen across the continent,” says Kasera.

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