By Pinehas Nakaziko
WINDHOEK-The Fashion Design Diploma (FDD) at the College of the Arts (COTA) is celebrating its 10th anniversary at the Franco Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) Gallery on January 30.
The Founder of FDD at COTA, Beate Hamalwa, says the aim of the 10th anniversary celebration is to bring graduates together to share their skills, knowledge, experience and achievements. “Through this celebration, we also look forward to creating partnerships and collaborations within the growing Namibian fashion industry,” says Hamalwa. A competition for the graduates judged by South African fashion designer, Marianne Fasseler, South African magazine editor, Johno du Plessis and Namibian judges to announce will be part of the celebrations. The winner will accompany Hamalwa to London on February 26 to showcase his or her collections. Hamwala founded the FDD as part of collaboration between French and Namibian artists to design costumes for the play titled Eiffel Tower Wedding Party by Jean Cocteau, directed by Vincent Colin. Since then the FNCC have been playing a big role in developing the Fashion Design Diploma.
The FNCC sponsored industrial sewing machines and relevant equipment. After finishing research for Hamalwa’s Master’s Degree in Fashion Design, the FNCC funded a range of fashion design literature.
In 2014, Hamalwa introduced a shoe-making and design course. The training was conducted by Hamalwa, Susanne Blochberger and Afas Mbura. Pupkewitz LTD sponsored the equipment for the course. Hamalwa is positive that the shoe-making and design course will add to job creation among highly talented students.