Team Namibia’s mission is to synergistically promote quality Namibian products with an emphasis on fast moving consumer goods and exclusive design products.

The fashion industry across the globe is growing in leaps and bounds and so too, in Namibia. It is cause for celebration that we have come so far as to produce not only our own designs and garments, but also, the fabrics and accessories used in the design and production.

An exhibition held at Omba Gallery in Windhoek during June, showcased the creations of beauty borne of Ibnestein Weavers, Pambili, Inspirations and Graceland creations.

The works exhibited may have come straight from a catwalk in Paris or Rome and the quality of the designs is of exceptional standard.

Ibenstein Weavers, known for many decades in the Karakul Carpet industry, came on board for the project. Linen, silk, cotton, bamboo and the well known Kalahari silk is now being woven and spun in fine fabrics.

Pambili is the brand name for the designs of Melanie Hartveld-Becker, as harnessing the fabrics for Ibenstein Weavers as well as the Kalahari Wild Silk Project.

The collection was showcased at the Miss Namibia pageant and during August, it will again be showcased at the Nokia Cape Town Fashion Week. The designs are ready to wear.

Accessories were provided by Graceland Creations who supplied all the scarves and throws for the outfits and Inspirations created all the jewellery – from either recycled materials or the more expensive natural metals.

All of these companies employ only Namibians; strive to design for Namibia and in an inherently Namibian style and work hard to develop their prospective industries in the country.

They should be applauded for their efforts.