WINDHOEK- Fifteen young and established Namibian fashion and jewellery designers are showcasing their designs the Emerge Fashion Show tonight at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) Gallery tonight.
They are Attila Giersch, Beata Hamalwa, Chakirra Claasen, Cobus Moller, Cynthia Schimming, Don Jaco Kotze, Jaimee-Lee Diergaardt, Jamie-Lee Ford, Lafika Joyce, Leah Misika, Maria Caley, Mc Bright Kavari, Melissa Poulton, Simone Henrichsen and Taati Sibolile. They have all been asked to produce small collections of six garments each that are a true representation of their design aesthetics. The fashion show is a platform for both young and established Namibian designers to showcase their work to the Namibian market at professional and well-organized level. It is part of the FNCC initiatives for 2014 and the FNCC is hosting it in collaboration with the Fashion Council of Namibia (FCN) and Pambili Young Designers and the National Arts Council (NAC).
The show is aimed as a marketing tool to attract potential investors to develop the Namibian fashion sector through a larger platform like the Namibian Fashion Week. The Namibian fashion sector has shown an eagerness to develop its clothing (apparel manufacturing) capacities but efforts have been frustrated by a lack of infrastructure, capital, local and export markets. Production in Namibia is insufficient and forces designers to produce exclusive garments making it expensive and only available to a selective Namibian consumer.
All fashion enthusiasts and investors are eagerly invited to attend this event and milestone on the Namibian fashion calendar. Tickets are available at the FNCC for N$150 in advance and N$170 at the door.