June Shimuoshili
The MTC Windhoek Fashion Week (MTCWFW) has retained its ability of attracting a bigger and diverse pool of models and designers from the recent model casting. Over 250 models showed their interest in this year’s fashion week of which only 70 were successful. This year 40 women and 30 men will take part in the MTCWFW compared to last year’s 20 men and 30 women.
According to one of the organisers Kalistu Mukoroli, the models will all receive payment as previously done. However, this year models will be paid in accordance of their exposure and experience.
“The models will be paid differently. Those with international fashion week exposure are in the platinum pool while new face models are categorised as first-timers. We have international Namibian models who are taking part which is quite exciting,” he stated.
In preparation of the event, the organisers have so far selected over 30 Namibian designers with the international designers yet to be selected. Last year the event had a total of 35 designers.
“We will be having international designers but we are mindful of COVID-19,” said Mukoroli.
Mukoroli also added that, designers are usually required to pay participation fees. However, this year participation fees have been waived and designers only charged a registration admin fee.
“MTCWFW is well aware that COVID-19 made it difficult for the creatives to sell their garments and make money that is why we decided not to charge a participation fee this year,” he stated.
Earlier this year, MTC announced its N$ 3.6 million sponsorship to the fashion week for the next three years to help MTCWFW and industry at large, ensuring that the event takes place smoothly and also gives back to the industry.
READY: Celebrating five years of existence, the MTCWFW will be taking place from 1 to 6 December in Windhoek with the venues yet to be announced.
PHOTOS: Contributed
