Thato's Set To Celebrate African Identity On The Runway

The showcase follows a recent partnership between Thato's and Velvet Vagabond, where the brand's clothing line is now available to customers. According to the founder, the positive response made it the right time to introduce the brand through a dedicated fashion event.

"This showcase marks an exciting milestone in Thato's journey," the founder said.

"More than simply presenting a collection, this event is about creating awareness and allowing people to experience the Thato's brand firsthand."

Since its inception, Thato's has been driven by a vision to create more than just fashion. The brand combines African heritage with contemporary design while encouraging people to embrace their identity with confidence.

"At Thato's, we believe that what you wear, carry, and accessorize with is more than a fashion choice. It is an expression of who you are, what you value, and how you choose to represent yourself."

The founder explained that every product reflects the beauty, diversity and excellence of Africa, with the long-term vision of building "a proudly African lifestyle brand that inspires confidence, celebrates identity, and reminds people that our culture is something to wear with pride."

Balancing traditional influences with modern fashion has also become one of the brand's defining principles.

"At Thato's, we do not see tradition and modernity as opposites, they complement one another beautifully," the founder said.

"Our aim is to create timeless pieces that allow women to express both their individuality and their cultural pride with confidence."

Creative economy

Beyond fashion, Thato hopes to encourage what it describes as cultural confidence, by inspiring Namibians to proudly embrace their heritage.

"To us, cultural confidence means embracing who we are without apology. It is about recognising the beauty, value, and strength of our heritage and allowing that identity to shine in the way we present ourselves to the world."

The founder believes supporting locally designed fashion extends beyond clothing and plays an important role in strengthening Namibia's creative economy.

"Supporting locally designed fashion is about much more than purchasing clothing, it is an investment in our people, our culture, and our economy."

The brand says greater support for local designers creates opportunities for artisans, manufacturers, photographers, stylists and other creative professionals while encouraging innovation within the country's fashion industry.

As guests prepare to attend today's showcase, Thato hopes the event leaves a lasting impression that extends beyond the runway.

"We want every guest to leave having experienced more than a fashion show, we want them to have experienced a celebration of African identity, creativity, and excellence."

Quoting Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah, the founder added, "We are not African because we are born in Africa; we are African because Africa is born in us." They said that spirit lies at the heart of Thato's and is the feeling they hope every guest carries with them long after the show has ended.