synEDGY has been bringing all sorts of flames our way and we are indeed getting the content we signed up for.
Monochrome took some time out to get a life update from Namibian fashion designer and founder of snyEDGY.
What is it like being one of Namibia’s favourite designers?
It is surreal! When I decided to launch synEDGY, I wanted to create work that fuels my creativity, work that I personally could relate to and see that Namibian fashion enthusiasts love my brand is truly amazing and I am so grateful.
What keeps you going as a fashion designer in Namibia?
The need to create. I love creating, I am never happy when I am not creating, whether it’s sketching, mood boarding or stitching, I always need to be part-taking in some sort of design process.
Let’s talk about your recent work. What inspired the mini collection?
This body of work is a representation of our quintessential woman, who is both stylish and confident, yet daring and sultry. The work is opulent and encompasses all qualities of a Namibian woman; classy, empowered and ready to take on the world. SynEDGY prides itself with quality, high-end garments and this body of work is not only a depiction of that but also, that of its core value which is a collaboration, hence the team that worked behind this campaign.
Who are some of the people you are working with right now? (Photographers, MakeUp Artists, Stylist etc)
I have worked with incredible Namibia talents on this campaign. Bobby Kaanjosa is the Director and Founder of Pageant Girls by Bobby K, he came on board as the official stylist and director for this particular campaign, Renate Shikongo of Renate’s Art is a makeup artist and overall creative, she came on board as the official makeup artist, with assistance from Malu Da Silva, Jonathan Paulus of Ino Photography was the official photographer, who shot our muses Elizabeth Valomboleni and Jessica Ramires who have years of modelling experience.
Let’s say you could travel back in time to one fashion era, where would you end up? What did you like about that period?
Definitely the swinging 60s. This era was very chic and symbolic, everything was very clean, streamlined and classy, think Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. I also live for the 70s disco era. The colours were electrifying, the silhouettes more playful and the overall energy was impeccable.
Who did you look up to in the fashion world when you realised you have a passion for fashion?
I think most of us looked up to African fashion designer for inspiration, because of the close proximity. I particularly love David Tlale and having met him really sealed the deal for me. Otherwise, I love Lebanese designers for their impeccable eye for intricate detail.
Who is your all-time favourite Namibian design, or designer?
We have incredible designers here at home, Namibians our in their own league and I’m happy to see the Namibian fashion industry growing. I look to most of them for inspiration and it’s so difficult to pinpoint one specific design or designer. I love the Namibian fashion industry.
When you design something, what are the key question you need to be answered to turn a vision into a real masterpiece?
When I am designing, these are the questions that quite my mood board:
Who am I designing for?
What do they like?
After I answer these two questions, I then follow up with the following questions, that dictate the ultimate feel of the garment:
What is the occasion?
What is the season?
What is the silhouette of the garment?
What colour do I use?
What fabric will be appropriate for the garment?
I eventually design something that combines all these elements and pray that both the client and potential client love the work.
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