Runway reimagined: Katutura Fashion Week hits runway with flair and style
Seventh runway show celebrates young and established talent
The seventh edition of the Katutura Fashion Show hit the runway on Thursday, showcasing Namibian designers, first- and second-year College of the Arts students, and established local creators alongside international designers from South Africa, France, Angola, Zambia and Germany.
The event is being held at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) and concludes tonight.
This year’s fashion extravaganza promises another vibrant celebration of culture, innovation and continental unity, providing young designers with a platform to showcase original creations and sustainable fashion practices.
Speaking on NTV’s Smell the Coffee TV show, Wesley Geingob, model assistant administrator at the Katutura Fashion Show, said this year’s edition focuses on increased collaboration and dynamic creativity.
“Such partnerships are vital because they give young Namibian designers a platform to showcase their own creations,” Geingob explained, highlighting the shortage of platforms in Namibia that allow creatives to shine on the same level as those in other countries.
Reflecting on six years of the Katutura Fashion Show, Geingob said: “There have been a few hiccups, but we have come so far with our industry collaborations, designers, sponsorships and international contributors."
He added: "Looking at the vision and the expansion of the whole Katutura Fashion Week, this year is truly heartwarming."
Giving back
When asked about the long-term impact of the show on Namibia’s local fashion and creative industries, Geingob said it aims to help others grow their businesses. “Katutura Fashion Week is a two-way marketing platform. We receive, and we also give back to the community. It’s a give-and-receive process,” he noted.
One of the main aims of the Katutura Fashion Show is to empower young creatives. The show will highlight emerging talents and international collaborations, aiming to transform creative energy into economic opportunity.
Geingob emphasised that collaboration allows young people to bring fresh dynamics and original designs to the Namibian creative stages and helps to identify talent and inspire sustainable fashion practices.
Tjil also spoke to one of the designers, first-year College of the Arts Fashion Design student Omar Zuhayl Diedericks, who said: “It has been smooth sailing from the beginning, from the sketching to the pattern construction and finally the sewing; it has all been a work in progress.”
The event is being held at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) and concludes tonight.
This year’s fashion extravaganza promises another vibrant celebration of culture, innovation and continental unity, providing young designers with a platform to showcase original creations and sustainable fashion practices.
Speaking on NTV’s Smell the Coffee TV show, Wesley Geingob, model assistant administrator at the Katutura Fashion Show, said this year’s edition focuses on increased collaboration and dynamic creativity.
“Such partnerships are vital because they give young Namibian designers a platform to showcase their own creations,” Geingob explained, highlighting the shortage of platforms in Namibia that allow creatives to shine on the same level as those in other countries.
Reflecting on six years of the Katutura Fashion Show, Geingob said: “There have been a few hiccups, but we have come so far with our industry collaborations, designers, sponsorships and international contributors."
He added: "Looking at the vision and the expansion of the whole Katutura Fashion Week, this year is truly heartwarming."
Giving back
When asked about the long-term impact of the show on Namibia’s local fashion and creative industries, Geingob said it aims to help others grow their businesses. “Katutura Fashion Week is a two-way marketing platform. We receive, and we also give back to the community. It’s a give-and-receive process,” he noted.
One of the main aims of the Katutura Fashion Show is to empower young creatives. The show will highlight emerging talents and international collaborations, aiming to transform creative energy into economic opportunity.
Geingob emphasised that collaboration allows young people to bring fresh dynamics and original designs to the Namibian creative stages and helps to identify talent and inspire sustainable fashion practices.
Tjil also spoke to one of the designers, first-year College of the Arts Fashion Design student Omar Zuhayl Diedericks, who said: “It has been smooth sailing from the beginning, from the sketching to the pattern construction and finally the sewing; it has all been a work in progress.”
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