Photo credits: Addie Films; Leoviich; contributed
As the most extended rainy season seen in Namibia in years wrapped up last month, Namibians slowly packed away their summer clothes as the air got crisp, welcoming what will likely be the coldest winter we have seen in a long time.
The dropping temperatures did not catch our favourite designers unawares, though, as they produced and released wardrobe essentials in sync with the season. We look at some of these designers and our favourite fashion drops from them over the last few months.
FORM AND FUNCTIONALITY FROM CHANTÉ JENAE
The queen of sustainability, Chanté Bock of Chanté Jenae, recently dropped what can already be described as one of the best collections of 2025. Tapping into her endless creative prowess, the Walvis Bay-based designer wowed fans with her Form ’n Function collection which dropped in March. She says of the collection: “We remained rooted in our sustainability mission by choosing durable, natural fabrics like denim and 100% cotton made to last.” The collection is capsule-sized and was an intentional decision, Chanté says. “We kept it small but versatile – every piece is thoughtfully designed to work with items already in our clients’ closets or with each other, reducing the need to buy new clothing constantly.” Chanté Jenae is synonymous with ethical production and this collection is no different. When sold, the pieces are delivered to clients in thoughtful, eco-friendly packaging from Guan’s. Each garment is locally made in her Walvis Bay home studio, where she prioritises waste reduction.
“Form ’n Function is a call to slow down,” says Chanté. “It’s a reminder that clothing should work for you. We wanted this collection to show that sustainability doesn’t mean sacrifice; it means thoughtful design, conscious choices and timeless style.” In a world that rewards fast fashion and constant consumption, this collection offers quiet confidence with created-to-last garments designed to be adaptable and made with purpose.
Why we love Form ’n Function: The “Canadian Tuxedo” from this collection is a hot favourite. Perfect for winter and fit for any occasion, the denim-on-denim ensemble, in particular, is a favourite that can be worn up or down. All it needs is your personal styling touch.
MN CREATIONS HONOURS THE MODERN MAN
Always one to push the boundaries of conventional fashion, Mathew Erastus of MN Creations recently unveiled another bold and unconventional collection for men.
The award-winning designer describes the Drip is Forever collection as a reimagining of modern masculinity. “The colour palette and print selections for this collection stem from a desire to redefine modern masculinity through a bold visual language,” he says. From the floral prints to the sleeveless suit jacket, the MN man will never blend in. Mathew also adds that the choices for both colours and patterns in this collection are not merely aesthetic, but a visual manifesto for the modern man who is not afraid to embrace colour as a form of self-expression.
While menswear has historically been defined by rigid parameters, it no longer reflects contemporary masculinity. This is a reality that MN Creations embraced fully through a design philosophy centred on creating space for men to explore a broader spectrum of self-expression through clothing. “What might appear as disruption is evolution. We are responding to the needs and desires of men who find traditional options restrictive or uninspiring,” explains Mathew.
Why we love MN Creations: MN brings so much life to menswear. If you are a dynamic individual who moves confidently through diverse spheres – be it professional, social or creative – this collection is for you.
A TOUCH OF LUXURY WITH SHIVELI
A relatively new kid on the block, Laina Ndahambelela Mbandi made a bold debut with an instant crowd favourite: the elegant and luxurious Shiveli dress. Inspired by founder Laina’s personal style journey, Shiveli is a tribute to trailblazing women who are bold and unapologetically themselves. “It goes beyond just clothing; it’s a celebration of the fierce, powerful women who are redefining what it means to be confident and unapologetic in today’s world,” Laina says.
The ethos behind Shiveli is rooted in the desire to make high- quality, fashion-forward clothing accessible to all women, especially in Namibia, where stylish and affordable luxury is often limited. Quoting the online data platform Statista, Laina emphasises that Shiveli is filling a gap in the Namibian clothing market: “With Namibia’s apparel market valued at US$378.56 million annually, there is a notable gap in the availability of affordable yet luxurious trend-focused clothing. Shiveli fills this gap by offering contemporary designs that cater to the needs and preferences of Namibian women and fashion enthusiasts.”
Why we love Shiveli: Even though temperatures will hit a low as winter drags on, the Shiveli dress remains a must-have for any season. Pair it with knee-high boots, a fur coat and snuggly accessories and you’ll look like a million dollars for date nights or a night out in town with the girls.
BEAT THE BLUES, POM COUTURE STYLE!
We so seldom see new drops from the streetwear brand from Rundu that it was refreshing to see them return with a new offering just in time for winter. After a three-year hiatus from the fashion scene, George Shiyepo Illarius is back with a new POM Couture collection titled Kandakole POM Starter Knock Off. George describes the collection as “one that inspires optimism and gratitude”. Acknowledging that he takes time with his collections, he says this new work is about “celebrating a fresh start, even after taking a break”.
Why we love POM Couture: In a country where streetwear is filled with uninspired products, POM Couture is a refreshing brand that inspires individuality and creativity. The bright blue bomber jacket from the new collection is a must-have (that is if you can still get your hands on this exclusive brand item).
Rukee Kaakunga
