If the saying ‘Move in silence and let the work make the noise’ was a person, it would be Luis Munana – no doubt.

The model-turned-fashion designer is most certainly making waves in the fashion industry – and on Saturday he launched his ‘Zuriel by Luis Munana’ clothing line in Windhoek.

“Zuriel is a statement piece. It offers that luxury fashion experience. Once you wear it, you step into the world of the opulent and exquisite,” he told VIBEZ! on the sidelines of the launch.

Since breaking out into the fashion scene, Munana has earned the title of one of the creative personalities, highlighted in the 2019 Forbes Africa 30 under 30 list. 

He is the co-founder and host of a lifestyle, fashion and entertainment TV show, ‘Voigush Africa’, and a co-founder of MTC Windhoek Fashion Week.

Munana said people inspired him when he started his fashion design journey.

“I look at someone and think to myself, ‘this person will look good in this or that outfit’. When you look at people, you see they can evolve and bring out the style they need.” 

Munana said he has been working on the clothing line for five years and believes he has put in the work to ensure the brand is of international standard. 

“I wanted to launch Zuriel in 2016; however, that was the first year of the MTC Windhoek Fashion Week, so I chose to rather focus on building local fashion designers since, at the time, the industry was very small.” 

He said this year felt like the right time to launch Zuriel, which is designed for anyone who wants to appear luxurious and classy. 

Munana credits his multidisciplinary thinking to expand on fresh ideas and offer a new perspective in the fashion industry.

Anyone familiar with the brand thus far knows Munana does not do cheap. 

His prices range from N$12 000 to N$15 000; however, one can grab a t-shirt for N$350.

“It is because of the work that I have put in and the materials I have used,” he explained.

The versatile Zuriel brand’s Autumn collection includes men’s suits, ladies’ evening gowns and modernised fanny packs.

Queried about his thought on the local fashion industry, Munana said fashion in Namibia has grown rapidly.

“For the past five years, we have seen the transition and growth. When we started fashion week, we used to have low attendance but as the years went by, we have seen so many people getting involved in the fashion industry and corporates coming on board.” 

The Zuriel collections can be purchased through orders. 

- ashikololo@nepc.com.na

Redefining fashion… Model-turned-fashion designer Luis Munana launched his Zuriel clothing line on Saturday.

Photo: Emmency Nuukala