2016 was a big year for the Namibian fashion industry and we are so glad we could be a part of it.
The biggest, most anticipated fashion event of the year was our very first fashion week. We had international designers, models, social media influencers come to Namibia and witness our talent and potential. We had BET and international photographers capture every moment. We saw our local designers bask in the glory of the success to come. We couldn’t be more excited for our fashion industry. The only way from here is UP indeed.
We caught up with media specialist, TV producer and brand strategist Kalistu Mukoroli, to find out what the vision behind Windhoek Fashion Week is and what we can expect next year.
How long has the idea been brewing? When did you decide to do it?
This idea has been brewing for 2 years now and it was thing of doing it or but we decided we will go ahead with this.
Last year we started working on our proposals and also talking to people that we know in the industry from SA and Namibia to get their buy. And after all that, this year we decided to go ahead and do it.
Why?
We don’t have a platform for fashion industry professionals to show case their work and also having international designers on the same platform with them. It’s all about celebrating fashion and growing our industry. Fashion week is the biggest platform a designer can ever get.
Why do you think Namibia needed this?
We have talent in our country and this talent was not being given the mileage it deserve and seeing that everyone was having their own shows and not being consistent about it, we decided to bring fashion week to Namibia where Namibia gets to show its talent to the world.
Why now only?
In this industry its difficult to just jump up and do something without proper finance and backing from the industry. Our industry is still very small but its growing rapidly and we believe that fashion week came at the right when everyone in the industry focused to grow the industry like the fashion council pushing for workshops to educate people for them to understand what we are doing. Time was perfect indeed.
What were the objectives?
To give Namibia a platform to show talent, to have international designers showcase on this platform and also to show the world the talent we have in Namibia through international media houses that attended. It was all about fashion and nothing else.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Who was involved?
Co-founders: Kalistu R Mukoroli & Luis T Munana
Kalistu Mukoroli – a media specialist, TV producer and brand strategist who owns Alvaro Media Group.
Luis Munana – international model, TV producer and reality TV star who co-owns Voigush Media Group
Ehaveco Events Management: Mavis, Eva and Martha
Event management company owned by a dynamic and vibrant team of young ladies.
Simply You Magazine a Namibian owned lifestyle and entertainment magazine owned by Helena Ngaifiwa
______________________________________________________________
Talk to us about outcome of the event?
Despite the blessing from God through rain which led to the first show being postponed the second night made it up to everyone. It was a success despite the glitches. The feedback we have been receiving has been wonderful indeed. We have received comments on our shortfalls but at the same time giving us credit for a job well done.
Regrets?
Having the show outside without talking to the weatherman but now we know what to do next time. Proper open communications to our clientele and partners on the show.
Did you meet expectations?
Massive expectation were met as our partners and sponsors were very happy with the outcome and end of the show.
How has the reception been so far?
It has had its up and downs but dominated with positive feedback and constructive criticism. Everyone in the fashion industry was really happy that we brought them a fashion week to showcase Namibian talent.
What did you appreciate?
We appreciated that everyone came to celebrate fashion and the support was overwhelming
The team’s favourite moments?
When we had to move the show one floor down and we only had 7 hours to make it happen because it would usually take 2 days for the technical team to setup. But the miracle happened and we pulled it off. It was hard work and dedication from the team.
Will it be an annual event?
This will be an annual event
What can we expect from the next one?
Bigger and better platform and an international twist to it. We are going even bigger on this.
Shout outs?
To everyone that made this possible our sponsors, partners, fashion lovers, models, the production team as well as the designers.
Missed it? Check out what went down here:
https://www.instagram.com/windhoekfashionweek/
Check out all the collections here:
http://ramp.sdr.co.za/1610WFW/
