A New Dawn

The name Dawn Diergaardt was on everyone’s lips recently when the fashion designer dressed Nambian Annual Music Awards presenter Elago Shitaatala in a yellow feathered evening gown for the glamorous event.

The designer says he decided on the bright and bold gown because it looks fabulous on camera.

“Before I designed the dress, I talked to the presenter and she mentioned feathers. So, I added feathers to the sleeve. When she came for the fitting, she fell in love with the dress and named it Birdy, after Big Bird from ‘Sesame Street’,” recalls Diergaardt.

As a little boy, Diergaardt had ambitions to become a doctor, but things changed by the time he turned 21. After only one day in a fashion studio owned by Giselah Meloud, he was hooked. He was sent to pick something up there and was amazed at how qiuckly he felt at home.

“A few days later, I showed Giselah my drawings and I started working with her,” he says.

The Mariental-born designer says it was only when he started working in the industry that he realised he’d always loved fashion.

“As a little child I was always fascinated by what princess Diana was wearing and while in high school, I would cut out images of people who were beautifully dressed and redraw their outfits. I would add my own special and divergent touches,” he says.

Diergaardt particularly loves seeing how a simple piece of material can transform into a stunning piece of clothing. “It gives me great joy to see people looking stunning. As people dress up, they gain new confidence and hope for life. This brings tears to my eyes every time and I don’t mind watching it over and over again.”

Speaking about some of the issues facing the industry, Diergaardt identifies designers not working together and competing against each other.

“I don’t see why one should be above the other. Be confident in what you do. Why must we compete when we can take hands and work together?”

The 39-year-old said over the past three years, the industry has grown tremendously. He believes clients are starting to gain confidence in designers, trusting them to come up with outfits for special occasions.

He however adds that there are still some clients who come to him with photographs of international celebrities’ outfits to replicate.

“The danger about this is that you will never look the same as that person. This is because we are all unique. I also hate copying someone else’s work. I often talk to the client, advising them to make a few changes, so we add a few original touches.”

The self-taught designer, who is also an event planner and costume designer for films, says a highlight in his career is dressing former Miss Nambia and Miss Universe 1992, Michelle McLean-Bailey, in 2017.

“I always wanted to dress her. When she agreed and said that my dress is perfect for her, I cried like a toddler. Yes, dreams do come true,” he says.

Diergaardt is currently hard at work on his new collection.

“I don’t have much information at this stage, but I am busy. The collection will consist of bridal and evening wear. I particularly love evening wear. I wish Namibia had more events so people could dress up more. Fashion is great.”