First ever Windhoek Fashion Week: Runway highlights

Situated just a few kilometres outside of South Africa, Namibia, is known for its iconic sand dunes and majestic desserts. It’s capital, Windhoek, is now one of Africa’s fast growing fashion hubs.

Windhoek Fashion Week is the brainchild of Luis Manana and Kalistu Mukoroli. It comes after several years of planning and failed attempts to get the show running.

Organisers say the aim of the Fashion Week is to provide a platform not only for designers and entrepreneurs from Namibia, but also for those from the rest of the continent. During the event which started on 5 November, designers, stylists and even make-up artists were given the stage to showcase their creations to the Namibian public and potential clients.

This year’s line-up included local designers Maria Nepembe, Melissa Poulton and Ingo Shanyenge as well as two international guest designers.

Here are some highlights straight from the runway.

Designer: Mansvat is an Angolan fashion designer. His collection featured sports casual creations.

Desiger: Mansvat’s Sports casual collection.
Photo: SDR Photography

Designer: Melisa Poultan is Namibian. The theme of her collection is Earth. Her creations incorporate earth tones and also include plus-size designs in her line up. The colour scheme is peaceful and commands attention.

Jockey/bottoms from Namibian designer Melissa Poulton’s Earth collection.
Photo: SDR Photography

Woman’s Dress from Namibian designer Melisa Poulton’s Earth collection. Photo: SDR Photography

Designer: Hafeni Frans from Namibia is known for his awesome creativity. For this year’s event, he created his very first men’s lingerie collection. This collection caught the attention of the everyone in the audience.

Black lace men’s lingerie by Namibian designer Hafeni Frans.
Photo: SDR Photography

Designer: Salshi is a Namibian designer based in Angola. She has dressed the first lady of Angola and is known to be one of the industry’s best.

Woman’s dress from Salshi collection.
Photo: SDR Photography

Designer: Ingo Shanyenge is a heavyweight in Namibia’s fashion industry. He is best known for his collection dubbed ‘Waterfall’ by a local newspaper.

Woman’s dress from the Waterfall collection by designer Ingo Shanyenge.
Photo: SDR Photography

Dark evening gown from the Waterfall collection by Ingo Shanyenge.
Photo: SDR Photography

Designer: Palse is a South African-born designer. His creations are well-known across the industry. His collection was an elegant line of men’s wear.

Men’s suit by SA designer Palse. Photo: SDR Photography

Designers: Craid Zowie by TZM are Zimbabwean designers. They have an eye for elegance which is showcased through their designs. Organisers say this collection captivated the crowd.

Men’s red suit by Craig Zoowie.
Photo: SDR Photography

Men’s waistcoat and pants by Craig Zoowie.
Photo: SDR Photography

Designer: Mshasho is owned by Musician and multi award winning artist Morrocky known as The Dogg from Namibia. His summer ready to wear collection was showcased at the event.

Men’s beach look by Mshasho.
Photo: SDR Photography

Organisers chose to end the star-studded event with the much-anticipated announcement by infamous designer David Tlale. He named seasoned designer Taati Sibolile and newby Deon Mathias as the Namibian candidates for his intensive internship programme in South Africa.

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