WALVIS BAY – Walvis Bay-based fashion designer and enthusiastic entrepreneur, Sophia Ndahafa Nendongo, will showcase her trendy garments this Friday at the Cosmopolitan Restaurant in Swakopmund.
Nendongo who will show off her work for the second time at the coast says her designs are inspired by the Ovahimba and Damara/Nama culture, adding that she always tries to incorporate both male and female designs in her garments, while using African print-inspired material.
The fashion show is expected to give recognition to Nendongo for her funky yet trendy designs that sometimes go unnoticed.
Nendongo who was born and raised in Walvis Bay says she at an early age became interested in dressmaking.
“I grew up in a home where my mom was a passionate dressmaker, until today,” she recalled.
When New Era visited her last week on Friday, Nendongo was hard at work to add some final touches to some of the designs to be showcased.
The fashion design graduate operates from her bedroom in Kuisebmond – filled with machinery and other essentials she draws inspiration from.
She obtained a Diploma in Fashion Design in 2008 from the College of the Arts in Windhoek.
“I mainly wanted to focus on designing, but my lecturers encouraged me to take up tailoring as well, as the two go together. These days I am an avid interior decorator as well,” she laughs.
Nendongo says she caters for people from all walks of life and events and also does weddings, confirmations, baptisms, and funky, fresh sophisticated designs.
“What the client requests the client gets. I cater for all, male, female ,young and old,” she explains.
Nendongo says her dream is to establish herself firmly in the fashion industry despite numerous challenges she faces.
She explained that designers based in the regions have to work harder than those in Windhoek to get noticed or to attract clients.
“Besides that, one also has to work hard to get the necessary recognition and clientele locally. Once you have achieved that you can branch out. The fashion industry is not easy and definitely not for the fainthearted. You need to have the drive, the passion and commitment to make it,” she says.
She highlighted being offered a one-year contract as a student assistant after being named the best student at the College of the Arts, representing Namibia at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai in China as well as receiving recognition for three outfits she designed for a national competition in Windhoek during the same year as some of her best achievements thus far.
Those interested to get tickets for Nendongo’s fashion show to be held on Friday may contact her on mobile number 081 3513327.
By Eveline de Klerk