The fashion industry may still be battling with adversity but nothing like a bothersome pandemic could lead to something as unprecedented as fashion week being cancelled, so the show must go on. 
It’s that time of the year that models, buyers, designers and fashion enthusiasts have spent months preparing for, returning for the fifth time – the MTC Windhoek Fashion Week is finally here.

The highly anticipated fashion week in the country kicked off on Tuesday with a welcoming party, followed by master classes on Wednesday and a fashion pitch yesterday.
Filing into studios, elbow-to-elbow with the rest of the fashion set, is now a thing of the past. 
The fashion week organising team has opted for a more socially distant approach for attendees, designers and members of the fashion industry. 

“This season has been quite unlike any other. In terms of covid-19 regulations, we had to change a lot of things,” said Kalistu Mukoroli, further assuring the presence of health representatives and tight security during the show. 
Show seats will be spaced accordingly and live streams will be utilised in keeping with the normal pandemic procedure.
Today and tomorrow will be the official days for the runway shows with over 30 showcases on the schedule. 
This season, however, sees some standout shows to keep a close eye on. 

Local environmentalist and fashion fanatic Disney will be showcasing her three-piece collection of trendy wide-brimmed sisal sun hats, called ‘Julys’, in light of advocating for sustainable fashion in the country.
‘Strike’ by Ally Tobias also be another show highlighter, as the well-known plus-size model brings us new diverse and ready-to-wear ensembles. 

The annual event that recently collaborated with MTC attracted a total of 250 models, of which only 70 were successful. 
With a huge endorsement of N$ 3.6 million from MTC, the event is promised to be a success story for the Namibian fashion scene.
- ashikololo@nepc.com.na