Julina Kaakunga
IN A ground-breaking move towards fostering local talent and bolstering the Namibian fashion industry, I AM FASHION, a service provider and fashion brand, is becoming the go-to modelling agency which manages and represents models nationally and internationally.
The initiative also hosts model boot camps where they train models in pageantry, photography and runway.
Spearheaded by Maila Kalipi, an internationally renowned model, certified beautician, and celebrity fashion designer and stylist, I AM FASHION is set to revolutionize the modelling landscape in Namibia. “I AM FASHION is currently set up in Namibia and in South Africa, however, I am planning to take it globally.These are just the first steps and movement, that we are taking to carve a niche in the fashion industry,” expressed Kalipi.
With a steadfast commitment to providing equal opportunities and sustainable careers for models, I AM FASHION’s initiative seeks to address the prevailing challenges faced by models in the country. Recognizing the need for viable income streams and career advancement avenues, the initiative endeavours to uplift aspiring and established models alike.
“I AM FASHION was established in 2009, under my company name Maila Koutore. However, I thought that vision was too small for the dreams I had to accomplish. I expanded so that we could not only provide beauty services and fashion but we included a modelling agency that caters for different types of models,” she enthused. Central to the initiative is the establishment of the I AM FASHION Modelling Agency, designed to offer comprehensive support and representation to models across Namibia. By managing their careers, securing paid opportunities, and facilitating local and international exposure, the agency aims to nurture talent and propel models towards success, thereby contributing to the overall growth and prosperity of the Namibian fashion industry. Some of its accomplishments include dressing Grammy nominated songstress Miss Lira on two occasions and thereafter sought to dress some of Namibia’s A-list celebrities, socialites and influencers.
Moreover, I AM FASHION is committed to nurturing talent through comprehensive training programmes and initiatives. The I AM FASHION model bootcamp, was hosted on 2 March and is scheduled tomorrow at Protea Thuringerhof Hotel from 11h00 till 17h00 with tickets costing N$450.00, exemplifying the brand’s dedication to providing aspiring models with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in various facets of the industry such as Miss Namibia preparations, personal brand awareness, make-up application, photography, and runway modelling.
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