The Modernisation of Traditional Attire

IT has become a trend on national, regional and even international runways. Designers have started using it in ready-to- wear collections and fashion lovers have incorporated them into their daily wardrobes.

We’re talking about the ever increasing trend of using traditional fabrics and prints in modern clothing, as well as modifying traditional clothes – giving them a fresh, modern twist.

While some people are not in favour of modernising traditional clothes, others especially fashion designers, see the trend as the logical evolution of fashion.

Designer McBright Kavari wowed the fashion scene with his modern take on the traditional and iconic herero dress at the first ever Namibia Fashion Show in 2012. his modernisation of the Victorian-era dress included one arm creations, modern necklines and unique accessories that left the audience in awe and opened the floodgates of creativity in the minds of upcoming fashion designers.

McBright says that although he has received some verbal lashings from elders, he feels that a new generation demands that new ideas are born, which in turn actually keeps the culture alive.

“The elders are complaining, they are not happy but the fact is, the dress is a Victorian dress and we stole it from the Germans. We just added the headgear which represents the horns of the cattle. A new generation is born and it is high time we come up with new ideas to add more value. Also, the more we modernise the traditional, the more young people will be attracted to the dress and thus the culture is upheld,” he said.

Fashionista hem Matsi is well known for using the the Ondelela (a traditional Oshiwambo fabric) print in some of her creations. She says the response she has received about her modern use of the print has mostly been positive and more people are interested in these eye catching garments.

hem says having modern clothes designed with Ondelela print is an opportunity to OLD SCHOOL VS NEW SCHOOL … McBright Kavari is a genius when it comes to modernising the traditional Herero dress. His innovative and unique designs have seen him winning the annual Herero Dress Competition more than once.

promote this uniquely Namibian print. “Just like Kente cloth is prominent worldwide, Odelela can be too.” She also says that she would love to see the traditional print in satin which would allow a wider variety of creations.

“Ondelela is the only print that identifies us as Namibians. To take Ondelela and modernise it is about being creative and fashionable. It is supposed to be fun and wearable. People want traditional with a touch of modern,” she said.

With the growing fashion industry, the embracing of traditional prints and attire can only be positive and hopefully even start an international trend.