The good the bad and the ugly Good fashion, poor organising Evidently, the event was the first of its kind in Namibia and as such, the organisers were at the first at the unfortunate end of the learning curve but despite the blunders, the local and international designers put on a blazing show. The Windhoek Fashion Week (WFW) started off with poor attendance of the fashion talk workshops which were hosted for two days by the fashion council. The talks and workshops covered aspects on how to market oneself as a model, an introduction to trend forecasting and upcoming trends, and the importance of fashion photography. The talks were done by local fashion designer and columnist Leah Misika and renowned photographer Trevor Stuurman. Organiser and workshop speaker Kalistu de Trinidad said the poor attendance was due to the fact that designers and models whom they catered for where busy preparing for the main event. The evening of 4 November wasn’t smooth either as Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards (ASFAS) Ugandan representative Manuela called the official launch presentation off due to poor coordination of logistics, lack of promptness and misunderstandings between the local hosts, the Windhoek Fashion Week organising committee. According to Manuela, the ASFAS will not be doing justice to the southern African nominees as they treated other nominees much better. “The planning of the launch in southern Africa is not up to standards of the ASFAS and due to that I will not be doing my presentation," said the then upset Manuela who told the crowds to rather mingle since there was nothing more to be done. Many who attended where very disappointed as their money was in vain for tickets as personality Bonang Mathebe who was supposed to make an appearance was a no-show.
De Trinidad, a member of the Windhoek Fashion Week said it was rather unfortunate that things happened as they did but it was because of poor timing. “The host Luis Munana was not at the event because he was busy sorting out accommodation for South African personality Bonang Mathemba who was put on a late flight from South Africa which was booked by the ASFAS committee. We were in constant communication with Manuela''s team so it doesn''t make sense for her to accuse the Windhoek Fashion Week for poor logistics," said Kalistu. The Namibian ASFAS nominees are still in the competition which will take place on 9 December this year.
As if the drama from the previous night weren’t enough, the WFW organisers failed to consult the local weathermen because the rain started pouring before the beginning of the event and the entire set up was drenched and had to be dismantled. The first and second slots of the day were planned to take place at the Grove Mall rooftop parking lot like all the others but were later postponed to the following day at the same venue, but one floor below.
By then some members of the WFW organisation and sponsors had pulled out of due to what seemed to be disastrous event because they didn’t want to be associated with the bad publicity awaiting. Nevertheless those that remained where able to put together a good fashion show that was put together within seven hours and possibly, a sleepless night.
The last day saw all collections being showcased in one night, back-to-back. The turnout was great and it included people from all walks of life, near and far. Local musicians like KP Illest showed and Drummer Queen who hails from Kenya simply flew in just to see Namibia and what they are capable of putting together. Designers, bloggers, models and media from countries like South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe also came to witness the historic fashion event. The designers that stood out included the collections Waterfall by Ingo Shanyenge, Earth by Mellisa Poulton, Ria by Maria Nepembe, Manzvat by Nankhova Alves and Palse, just to mention a few.
Many that attended were however disappointed as the seating arrangements could not accommodate VIPs and standard ticket owners from both nights, and some had to stand during the slots despite their type of ticket.
Distinguished South African designers from David Tlale’s The Intern programme were the finish to the WFW as he announced which local designer he was going to take under his wing for a year-long mentorship. David Tlale chose fashion council member and designer Taati Sibolile but he added upcoming and promising Deon Mathias to the programme. The two interns are said showcase at some big fashion weeks in South Africa and across Africa including the Mercedes Benz Joburg, Lagos and Uganda fashion weeks.
The WFW organisers say their event was an achievement and plans for next year’s event are on the roll already. “Despite the mishaps and the hiccups, it was a successful event for us. From the beginning it was about fashion and never been about the organising team. This is a platform for people to show their creativity. We will learn from our mistakes and involve other people to make the next events more successful,” said De Trinidad and also thanked everyone that was supportive throughout the event.
June Shimuoshili