Instead of the traditional runway and as reflected in its name, the inaugural ‘UpNEXT Musik Fashion Streetway’ took place on Wednesday in an Ongwediva street, symbolising a unique blend of fashion, music and street culture.
The fashion show showcased the creativity of three clothing brands: Hustle Fit (hstlft), Oshiwa Clothing and Young Nams Clothing. Each brand brought its unique blend of style and innovation to the runway, captivating the audience with its bold designs and impeccable craftsmanship.
Reflecting on the event, designer Agnella Mulisa expressed her joy, describing it as a profound honour to witness her designs take centre-stage among the enthusiastic applause of the audience.
She told VIBEZ! the creative process behind developing Oshiwa’s brand aesthetic and style involves a combination of research, experimentation and a deep appreciation for Namibian culture.
“We draw inspiration from various aspects of Oshiwambo tradition, including patterns and techniques,” she noted.
“The designs showcased in our collection at the fashion show were inspired by our commitment to elevating and urbanising traditional Oshiwambo fabrics and designs. We aimed to infuse a youthful and exciting feel into these traditional elements while honouring our cultural heritage,” Mulisa said.
“At the same time, we stay linked to global trends in fashion and design by including contemporary aesthetics and preferences.”
Looking ahead, their plans for Oshiwa include expanding their presence locally.
“We aim to continue growing our brand, while maintaining our commitment to quality and cultural authenticity. We aspire to be a leading voice in the Namibian fashion landscape, representing the rich cultural heritage of Namibia before going international. As they say ‘Esilo shimpwiyu ali tameke megumbo’, meaning ‘charity begins at home’,” she enthused.
She said what sets Oshiwa apart from others in the industry is their unique approach to blending traditional Namibian textiles with modern designs.
“We offer a fresh perspective that appeals to a diverse audience.”
Other designers who captivated audiences at the inauguration of the UpNEXT Musik Fashion Streetway were Martin Kapuka and Elago Kapuka. They represent Young Nams Clothing and Hustle Fit, respectively.
Martin, the founder of UpNEXT Musik Fashion Streetway, said the music fashion show went exceptionally well. Despite facing challenges such as inclement weather and logistical limitations, the event was a vibrant fusion of music, fashion and community engagement. It showcased local talent and creativity, empowering youth and inspiring entrepreneurship.
Greenwell Iyambo, the artists’ relations manager at Blaqhouse Collections Management, was in charge of the music part of the event. He played a crucial role in selecting the artists to perform, and handled all correspondence related to that aspect of the show.
“The experience was truly unforgettable. Hosting the event in the neighbourhood where I grew up, with the support of neighbours and local authorities, was incredibly inspiring.
The presence of young children and their families added to the excitement, indicating a desire for more community events in the future,” he continued.
The challenges they faced included the inability to secure a cash bar, inadequate lighting, limited time for marketing, and the event concluding prematurely due to inclement weather, particularly rain. Despite these challenges, they managed to overcome them with resilience and adaptability.
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