AS the momentum heightens for the first ever world soccer event to be held in Africa, some Namibian fashion designers have vowed to cash-in on this experience of a lifetime slated for neighbouring South Africa next year.

Two of the country’s vibrant fashion entrepreneurs, Beverly Capisao and Hem Matsi, say they will take fashion “to another level” through exhibiting and selling their products during World Cup 2010, a venture they believe will help to promote local products.
The duo, affirmed that they are planning to bring together different fashion designers to put up a combined fashion shop, “Couture Namibia”, to lure tourists and participants from across the globe to Namibia during the event.
They regret that their efforts to kick start the project last year failed, but are still hopeful the initiative will be revived as the momentum for this rare event climaxes.
Matsi of Hemline and Beverly of C Fashions, say they have lined up fashion events in the capital and in the northern towns to help accelerate this project.
Future of fashion
They regret the huge disparities between fashion designers in the country and promise that in future, they will champion for a designer organisation to narrow the gap and absorb fashion graduates and talent across the country.
“Where are the fashion graduates from the University of Namibia and College of the Arts going to? We have the duty to absorb them,” Hem says.
In addition, Beverly says fashion designers have to work together to grow the industry and promote purely Namibian products. “We will lose a great opportunity if we ignore this call.”
They urge individuals and business communities interested in fashion design to invest in the industry now and not wait for the FIFA World Cup next year to help sustain the local industry.
The FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) World Cup has ignited enthusiasm among Namibian businesses that have lined up strategies to cash in on the prestigious event.