THIRTY DESIGNERS TO SHOWCASE AT KATUTURA FASHION WEEK 2026

Katutura Fashion Week (KFW) is back for its 8th edition, and Windhoek is in for a treat. On 20 and 21 November, the Franco Namibia Cultural Centre throws open its doors to a runway that stretches far beyond Namibia’s borders. Founded in 2019 by Dennis Hendricks, KFW was built on one clear idea that fashion belongs to the people. Eight editions on, that idea still holds, and this year’s line-up is one of the strongest the show has ever pulled together.

The 8th edition leans hard into fresh talent. The College of the Arts is sending its full first-year class to the runway, with Tasiara Nuuyoma, Tjarirove Hembapu, Shaidah Veseevete, Ottili Nambala, Laina Nanghubo, Hendrik Kamwanka, Julia Shaanika, Vanessa Shipule, Claudia Shatumbu, Lanternia Sheyanena, Paulina Kapaya, Vetondouua Tjazerua, Frieda Nghipondoka, Enos Angula, Faith Enkali, Charity Muneetjilimbo and Shakira Dias all set to show. The second-year students bring fuller capsules, led by Taimi Shipopyeni, Melony Pieters, Omar Diedericks, Alta Hill and Mario Iduwa. Limkokwing University of Creative Technology joins in with its third-year talent, Nelo H Tibinyane and Maria Uujumba. For many of these young designers, this will be their first time on a professional runway.

The seasoned Namibian names are out in full too. Daisy Kasiki returns under DaisyK, Kafute Shaanauka brings Kafute’s Creation, and Helena Matheus and Cecilia Uutoni present a sister capsule under Kafute’s Crochet Creations. Tonia Karume shows MATA, Tamary Kudita presents Scrapes, and Shikong Mary_D steps out with Blush & Bloom. Emgard Gaweses, Nahambelelwe Neumbo, Leentjie Gereses and Dr Blue Belair Delevingne round off the home-grown line-up with Emgard Clothing, Uh-Nell Brands, Oussy Clothing and Ardent Valiate.

What really sets this edition apart is the regional sweep. From Lesotho, Moleboheng Khali carries House of Mole, joined by Thebe Tsatsi under his own label. Angola is represented by Joaquim Kupessala’s Augusto Kupessala Piramides. Zambia sends a strong four Nana Nchimunya Phiri with Nanchi’s Designs, Ruth Chimbala with Mizuwa Designs, Joy Njin’a Chikwanda with Chuvwali Designs and Donovan Masiye with Dimass Fashion Designs. Zimbabwe’s Shorai Matambanadzo closes the regional roll under the Smataz brand. Five countries, one runway, one weekend.