trends

It has been established by Namibian fashionistas that we are somewhat laid back when it comes to fashion and are more comfortable with being safe and cool when it comes to following the latest trends from haute couture (expensive, fashionable clothes produced by leading fashion houses in the world) lines. Some overarching trends that are evident throughout Namibia at the moment include fishnets, platform shoes and sneakers, man bags, bomber jackets, floral shiny suits and dresses - in no particular order.

There also seems to be a great confusion in the local fashion industry between those who keep it safe and look good, those who set trends and pull them off and those who follow trends. With experts like model Maria Nepembe, we will be able to answer some of these questions.

Fashion lessons - know the difference

Internationally renowned model Maria Nepembe says fashion trendsetters are those that set seasonal trends and they set them in line with the new season's style.

According to Nepembe, stylish people are those that look good at any given time. These people pull off the simplest look and make it fabulous. “You don't need to try much to be stylish; you just need to have an eye for fashion,” she says.

Asked where she falls as she is also the founder of the Ria Clothing line and designer, Nepembe says she does both, but she prefers creating her own trends and says this sets her apart and gives her freedom to express herself through what she's wearing.

“I look at the international catwalks and that's how I get inspired to come up with good designs. You need to keep up to be able to set trends as a designer,” says Nepembe.



What's trending

tjil caught up with a newly established designer who isn't scared of going bold as her latest collection is sync with international fashion collections. Ndapcee keeps herself updated by reading fashion magazines, her favourite being Vogue, and by following globally recognised fashion brands. Ndapcee, who creates timeless clothes, says she isn't one to follow trends but rather sets them. She believes the one trend that will never die out for ladies are jumpsuits. “They have been around since the 60's and are still now, but with a new flare,” she says.



1. GO FLORAL, GO BOLD:

Ndapcee's latest collection includes floral prints that have been seen at the New York Fashion Week collection from designers such as Red Valentino, Jason Wu and Cynthia Rowley. Floral prints are expected to be trending until 2018 autumn.



2. BLOOMING MEN:

According to the Fashion Bean's website, it has been discovered how menswear floral has come full circle since the Hawaiian shirt misfortunes of the 1980s. With their ingenious and contemporary interpretations, today's designers are proving that a little bloom embellishment is a fresh and modern way to demonstrate sartorial expression. Local stylist Reinhard Mahalie says it's safe to pair a man purse with a floral satin blazer.



Streetwise

Windhoek-based fashion lover Victoria Ivawa says her first rule when it comes to fashion is knowing and understanding one's body, while the second rule is to dress one's body and not their ego. Ivawa says one thing that many miss is the fact that not all trends or latest fashion are applicable to all body types. “Many people dress themselves based on their budgets and egos and not necessarily in alignment with their physique. I relate my fashion sense to people around the world who might have the same body as me,” she says. Ivawa says she draws inspiration from different fashion icons especially South Africans, because she believes they are daring enough which makes them trendsetters. On an international scale, Ivawa regards Namibia as a country that is between behind and up-to-date when it comes to fashion. “We are very complacent. We are not bold enough to start trends because we are afraid of being judged by society and becoming international laughing stocks,” she says.



3. WELL PUT TOGETHER:

Ivawa gets her fashion ideas from social media, art exhibitions and even animated films. Follow her on Instagram @ivawa_victoria for some chic, some vintage and latest fashion styles.

Hair trends

Lately we see that ladies don't have time to sit at the salon for hours three times a week but what to do if you want a great mane? Well, wigs have been around for centuries but now there is a twist to them. Today, one can get any hairstyle sewn on a piece of stocking - from braids to Brazilians for your convenience! Wig maker Tia says wigs are currently trending and she makes them as the client wants. “Back then wigs were restricted to a certain hairstyle but with the variety of material available like frontal laces one can have a wig made in such a way that the client can style it any way and it will look genuine,” she says. Tia says she gets inspiration from YouTube videos and her clients who come with pictures with a hairstyle they want to try. The latest men hair trends include half-cut ponytails and corn rows that resemble the Ovahimba people's cultural hair style.



4. WIG LIFE:

Wigs are convenient and can be styled however whenever.



5. FUNKY BRAIDS:

The latest braid trends include hair stylists leaving a few braids coming across in the front.



6. CUT LIFE:

Ladies are doing the great hair chop that sees them cutting off all their hair and leaving a stylish visible line that adds flair.



7. KILLING IT:

Artist Oteya is one who is known for putting an outfit together well as she never misses the latest trends. Here she is seen wearing knee high jean boots with a sizzling ripped jersey top and a simple jean jacket to complete the look.



Bro cave

Musician Gazza is known as the godfather of the latest man trend of beard grooming and growing in Namibia. Many were sceptical when he started it but today every second man is grooming his beard. “Growing a beard is not like one trying on a t-shirt. You need to know if your beard can grow in the first place, after that you need to find out how long. That's what I did and as time went by I saw it was transforming me into someone I liked and the rest is history,” said Gazza. Gazza says he will shave his beard when girls stop using makeup as his beard is equivalent to makeup.



8. SWAGGA:

Gazza says the next hair trend for men will be the good old brush cut as he believes it will never die out, unlike the many hair styles that come and go.



9. SUIT AND TIE:

The latest catwalks have men in shiny suits and local designer Ingo Shanyenge keeps up to date with these trends for his pool of customers. Ingo made a navy blazer for comedian Mark which he wore during his one-man show. Ingo says latest trends include bomber jackets which he has included in his latest collection, coming out soon.



10. STEPPING OUT:

As in the 90s, sneakers are coming back and everyone is embracing them. Women and men are seen expanding their shoe collections with sneakers from brands like Puma, Yezzy and Nike. All these shoes have one thing in common - they are getting bigger. Some of Ruan de Waldt's collection.



11. FACEBEAT:

Makeup is known to be a feminist touch up but in the 21st century makeup is for everyone. Makeup artist Jay Aeron says it high time more men embrace it in their day-to-day life too. “Men are known for wearing makeup for TV or photoshoots but a little powder before stepping out and lip moisturiser won't hurt,” he said.





June Shimuoshili