By Emily Shimbali
Miss Supranational of Namibia, Chanique Rabe, launched her new brand under the name NamiNami. Rabe is also on her way to represent the country internationally in Europe at the Miss Supranational competition in August.
Rabe earned a BA Honors degree in Fashion in Cape Town and began to use her knowledge to the benefit of Namibia. Her clothing brand primarily targets women who want to wear luxury and yet feel comfortable. “My brand is inspired by Namibia. I am proud to say that I source everything locally, and in Namibia the gourmets are made by hand,” She said.
“We don’t believe in wholesale stock – we’re a slow fashion brand! (Not only is it more durable, but this way you know that your dress is one of a kind) that means when you order your dress, we immediately ship it to you within 2-5 working days. That’s why you can chat with us if you want to make minor adjustments to your dress! (E.g. a little short, long, or Even an extra frills!) If your dress is delivered and it doesn’t fit like a full dream, we should exchange for a different size or even for a small extra charge Change must happen, she said.
Meanwhile Rabe is fond of homegrown brands and quality fashion, trying her utmost to spread his skills with both Namibian youth and juniors through her sewing projects. She currently owns two sewing schools. One of in Windhoek is called the “Mending Project” and the other school was launched in Zambezi last month with the African Monarch Lodges, called the Junior sewing Center.
“I teach them the proper sewing skills that they can use to apply for skilled jobs or someday entrepreneurs,” she said.
