Sewing up the future

Having been elected in 2016, the current Fashion Council of Namibia (FCN) says they have done a lot, but not enough.The FCN was formed to represent, develop, support and grow the Namibian fashion industry and to establish and maintain a code of ethics. While different countries in Africa are at different levels in terms of fashion awareness and maturity, the challenges and potential for growth are strikingly similar. Namibian fashion is a fast-growing and creative industry, providing job opportunities for many related professions, including jewellery designers, seamstresses, textile manufacturers, production teams, makeup artists, hairstylists, photographers, videographers, models, fashion buyers and bloggers. The Fashion Council board said they are focusing on knowledge and developing a platform for networking during their term.“A problem we encountered is people understating the role of the council, because many had the understanding of us being a union, which we are not. We are here to facilitate and support the fashion industry in the country. In our first year we went to Cape Town Fashion Council and sat down with them just to give us a broader perspective of a fashion council,” said FCN chairperson Melisa Poulton.The board consists of Poulton, Kalistu Mukoroli, Lea Misika, Taati Sibolile, Lafika Heita, Ingo Shanyenge and Andriano Visagie.Challenges include lack of funding, which becomes a barrier for them to carry out their duties.“The Goethe-Institut came to our rescue last year with funds and we are very grateful for their support. This allowed us to take part in the Berlin Fashion Week, by sending a representative to the event, and they are also on board this year; their support will help us do some activities including workshops in which we will collaborate with Namibians and international people to build and strengthen the council,” said Poulton. The FCN is facilitating fashion workshops that take place during the Windhoek Fashion Week. They also host the Namib Fashion Festival - a platform for upcoming designers to showcase their work. The council has also hosted successful mixer sessions this year.“The road has been bumpy. We want to do so much, but we are tight (financially). We are trying to do what we can, but we can only do so much. We are focusing on who we can help. Our next mixer will be free, so everyone is welcome,” said Misika.The next annual general meeting will be held in February next year, where a new board will be elected.June Shimuoshili

Sewing up the future

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-06

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Sewing up the future

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-06

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