Emerging Namibian designers take centre stage at annual COTA fashion show
From sketch to runway
Windhoek's College of the Arts (COTA) is set to host its much-anticipated annual fashion show on 15 November.
The event promises an evening of creativity, innovation and style.
It will feature collections from first-, second- and third-year fashion design students, showcasing their growth and mastery of design skills developed throughout their studies.
In a telephone interview, event organiser Salmi Shilongo said this year’s showcase will not follow a single theme.
“It’s an open-brief showcase where each student develops a personal concept that highlights their authentic voices and what they’ve learned throughout their course,” Shilongo explained.
“Students interpret their research and inspirations into garments that range from cultural storytelling and craft techniques to sustainability, silhouette exploration, and material innovation.”
Learning through art
Shilongo noted that the first-year students will each present two looks, one ready-to-wear piece and one upcycled or recycled concept, while second-year students will display four-look mini-collections.
The third-year designers will take centre stage with their eight-look capstone collections, demonstrating advanced garment construction and brand identity.
Among the featured designers is third-year student Pamwenashe Hekandjo, whose collection takes inspiration from the future and the limitless possibilities it holds.
“My collection blends modern African aesthetics with a futuristic edge,” Hekandjo said.
“I wanted to create pieces that celebrate African heritage while imagining how it evolves into the future.”
Hekandjo said her design process took about eight months, involving detailed sketching, pattern making, fabric selection, and hand-beaded embellishments to bring her vision to life. The fashion show will feature professional models, ensuring a polished and visually cohesive presentation.
The event promises an evening of creativity, innovation and style.
It will feature collections from first-, second- and third-year fashion design students, showcasing their growth and mastery of design skills developed throughout their studies.
In a telephone interview, event organiser Salmi Shilongo said this year’s showcase will not follow a single theme.
“It’s an open-brief showcase where each student develops a personal concept that highlights their authentic voices and what they’ve learned throughout their course,” Shilongo explained.
“Students interpret their research and inspirations into garments that range from cultural storytelling and craft techniques to sustainability, silhouette exploration, and material innovation.”
Learning through art
Shilongo noted that the first-year students will each present two looks, one ready-to-wear piece and one upcycled or recycled concept, while second-year students will display four-look mini-collections.
The third-year designers will take centre stage with their eight-look capstone collections, demonstrating advanced garment construction and brand identity.
Among the featured designers is third-year student Pamwenashe Hekandjo, whose collection takes inspiration from the future and the limitless possibilities it holds.
“My collection blends modern African aesthetics with a futuristic edge,” Hekandjo said.
“I wanted to create pieces that celebrate African heritage while imagining how it evolves into the future.”
Hekandjo said her design process took about eight months, involving detailed sketching, pattern making, fabric selection, and hand-beaded embellishments to bring her vision to life. The fashion show will feature professional models, ensuring a polished and visually cohesive presentation.
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