By Koviao Matuzee
Growing up in Windhoek under the care of a single father, Ndahambelela Fredrika Annanias always viewed fashion through a different lens.
While many admired clothes from the outside, she would study every detail hidden inside garments, carefully examining stitching, textures and designs long before she fully understood the fashion industry itself. The 24-year-old says losing her father in 2018 changed her life completely and forced her to mature at a young age.
“My father used to stress when buying me new clothes because he knew eventually I would change them into my own designs,” Annanias said.
Her love for fashion began at the age of six through dressing dolls for tea parties, sketching designs and experimenting with her own clothing.
That childhood creativity has since grown into a professional journey and despite opposition from some relatives who encouraged her to pursue careers such as nursing, teaching or policing, Annanias remained determined to become a fashion designer.
She says financial hardships, lack of machinery and moments of self-doubt were among the biggest obstacles she faced.
“Nothing is impossible when you set your heart to it. You will get rejections here and there, but that is part of the process.”
A former learner at Windhoek Technical High School who later studied through the College of the Arts, Annanias has already showcased her designs at Katutura Fashion Week and MTC Windhoek Fashion Week. She specializes in fabrication techniques such as fabric smocking and weaving, producing garments known for bold textures and distinctive patterns.
Currently balancing daytime work with late-night sewing sessions for clients, she says patience has become one of the most valuable lessons in her career.
“There are good days and bad days in this industry, but you have to keep believing better days will come,” she explained.
Annanias urged young creatives not to allow criticism or negativity to discourage them from chasing their dreams.
“Not everybody will have positive opinions and that should not matter to you. You have to enter the industry knowing that even on bad days, you will not give up.”
She dreams of building a globally recognized Namibian fashion brand while collaborating with other creatives to continue growing in the industry.
“Not everybody is born with talent and when they are, embrace them. Sometimes support can completely change a person’s future.”
