By Rinelda Mouton
Organisers announced the return of the 8th edition of Katutura Fashion Week (KFW) 2026, set from 20 to 21 November at Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) in Windhoek.
The event is shaping up as a two-night celebration of Namibian and African fashion, culture and creative entrepreneurship.
KFW was established in 2019 by a male model, artistic designer and creative entrepreneur, Dennis Hendricks and has since then developed into a platform for emerging and established designers, models and other creatives.
Hendricks said KFW brings together fashion designers, models, artists, creatives, industry professionals, potential collaborators and fashion audiences.
Hendricks said this year’s event will be held under the theme “Culturally Rooted and Future Driven”.
Hendricks said the theme focuses on the relationship between Namibia/Africa’s cultural heritage and contemporary fashion.
He reveals that designers are being encouraged to take inspiration from cultural traditions and identities while interpreting them through modern silhouettes, materials, techniques and creative approaches.
“The event isn’t intended simply as a runway, it is about showing how African cultural identity can inform the future of fashion. Its a platform for designers to gain exposure, connect with audiences and collaborators, and contribute to the development of Namibia’s fashion industry,” he said.
Hendricks said one of the biggest challenges they face hosting the event is funding.
He said producing a professional fashion event requires resources for venues, production, lighting, sound, marketing, models, designers, photography and many other areas.
He claims finding consistent sponsorship and financial support can therefore be challenging.
“Another challenge is building a reliable support network within the industry. Fashion involves many different people working together, and coordinating designers, models, stylists, makeup artists, photographers, media and production teams can be demanding. There is also a need for greater public awareness and appreciation of fashion as an industry,” he said.
Hendricks said despite these challenges, KFW is an important platform because it gives local creatives an opportunity to be seen and heard.
He explained that their goal is to continue building an event that represents Namibian creativity, particularly the talent coming from Katutura and other communities, while creating opportunities that can help the fashion industry grow sustainably.
