WINDHOEK-Thinking out of the box, creativity, hardworking and passionate best describes fashion designer Ruth Nghono, a 23-year- old and College of the Art 2012 fashion designer graduate.
When growing up Ruth always looked up to her father who sewed and mended their cloths at home. When she got to high school she was introduced to the home science field of study where her love for fashion grew into passion. “After my Grade 12 I decided to pursue my love for fashion to the next level as I always wanted to know more about fashion. I registered with the College of the Art in 2010 and did my three year diploma in Fashion Design,” explains Ruth.
While in school Nghono was not just studying as she also sewed and mended cloths. “I remember having my first client in my second year (of study). I made her a two-piece skirt and a top. She was so impressed with my work that she came back for more items. I started sewing and fixing lots of things for different people,” she says.
Because she had to keep up with school work, Ruth says she always did her own work after school as the lecturers were so good to let them do their own work after classes. “I was always the last person to leave the college because I did not have a sewing machine than,” continues Ruth.
She adds: “When my sister saw my work, she decided to get me a small sewing machine that I am still using. That makes my work very easy as I also work from home now. Keeping up with school work and my own work was difficult but I didn’t give up on any of them, as I love what I do.”
Ruth continues that she prefers to do ready-to-wear designs, including making hand bags, and all sorts of clothes. Also, she does not have a workshop nor a big machine to work from with but that will not stop her to do what she loves, neither will her diploma and knowledge go to waste, she says with determination. “I am not giving up as I know I will get there in the future,” she determines.
The young designer says while at college, she always read articles on Cathy Tshikesho, one of the Namibian big fashion designers, who is also her inspiration. “When I finished with my studies I looked for Tshikesho to take me in for internship as I admired her work and I would love follow in her footsteps.”
“Fashion design is a language that needs a good understanding and I think I understand it better, and I am ready to hit and change the fashion industry,” concludes Ruth, currently with Cathy Tshikesho whilst also doing her own work at home.
By Sabina Elago