Monochrome recently sat down with one of Namibia’s fashion designers on the rise, Ndahafa Shaimemanya.
From such a young age and with parents that are border-line strict on what you should become, Ndahafa managed to convince them to study fashion in not only one of the best countries you can do it but where one can draw instant fashion inspo from. Fashion capital of the world, Paris.
Born and raised in Windhoek, Namibia. Ndahafa loves reading, travelling, photography and finding inspiration on tumblr and Pinterest. This young lady oozes nothing but pure class and elegance.
We find out a little more about the much anticipated launch of MANYA.
Talk to us about MANYA…
What have you showcased so far?
I have two lookbooks of Manya’s work. I’m currently sharing images from Manya’s first collection titled “The Becoming” on my brand’s social media pages which was birthed and produced in Paris as my final year project for the course that I was studying. The concept of the first collection inspired many elements of my second collection which is titled “Manya”. My second lookbook was shot and will be launched in Namibia in the coming weeks.
She’s forever on a road of personal growth and self- awareness. Simple yet poetic. Experiencing a life increasingly filled with imperfection, warmth and passion. A woman that understands that she has unlimited capacity to make her life anything she wants . She’s constantly changing, constantly evolving. She’s becoming.
This is how Ndahafa describes her kind of woman who wears MANYA.
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion for me means knowledge and understanding of yourself and expressing that through the garments you wear. Fashion has brought out the dichotomy of my personality, allowing me to engage both creatively and technically with the aesthetic and functional aspects of design.
Struggles you face as an upcoming designer and building your brand?
I’d say the current “challenge” is making myself and brand known to the public and particularly to my target market. Having to gradually introduce my brand and myself to Namibia through social media and interviews that I will be doing in the coming weeks to promote the launch of my new collection is a little nerve-wrecking but equally exciting. Also, having to play all roles such as designing, marketing and directing all parts of the brand gets overwhelming at times because I’m still a learner and don’t have all the answers but Im learning to delegate, trust others with my vision, accept advice and constructive criticism when needed and most importantly taking one step at a time.
What would you tell someone reading this about doing something you love?
I would say first figure out exactly what you love about Fashion. Whether it be styling, designing, pattern-drafting etc,identify what your dream job entails. Make sure you have the qualities and talent to pursue that career path. Write down your short and long-term goals then strategise on ways to polish and strengthen your talents in order to achieve those goals which will allow you to become skilled at your craft. At the same time, figure out ways to increase your business knowledge through methods such as reading, taking short business-related programmes or doing internships. I’ve found that gaining experience through internships often works best. This way you can learn through other people’s mistakes in order to avoid making those same mistakes in your future endeavours while also gaining knowledge on the right steps to take.
Future plans for you brand?
Shortly after the event,I plan on launching my online store. I would also like to acquire an internship for one year in South Africa, at either a fashion retail company or an established Fashion Designer in order to gain more work experience. This will also allow me to network and strengthen my knowledge on the South African fashion industry which is a market I would like to tap into in the future. Upon completion of my internship I plan on furthering my studies abroad with an MBA in International Fashion Management next year while still running my online store.
Quick Fun Facts about Ndahafa
1. What do you love to eat?
I love sushi and I’m a sucker for all things chocolate, Kinder Bueno to be exact.
2.Last thing you purchased?
A pillow set for my mum.
3. Best advice you ever received and from who?
I’ve yet to receive my best advice ever but my favourite quote which I believe can also serve as the best advice I’ve ever read is:
“God can dream a bigger dream for me, for you, than you could ever dream for yourself”. -Oprah Winfrey.
I find this quote to be true at every stage of my life and somewhat both comforting and humbling.
4. Which fashion week would you attend if they where all happening at the same time. Paris, New York or Milan?
Paris, hands down.
5. A fashion quote you love?
“I want to empower women. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress.” – Alexander McQueen
Find MANYAs official social media pages here:
Instagram: @manya.official
Twitter:@manyabyns
Facebook: @manya.fashion
CREDITS:
Model: Tamika Bidouser
Photographer: Alejandra Cervera Hauser
