NUST Premiers Fashion Pop-Up Market

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) celebrated creativity and entrepreneurship with its first-ever fashion pop-up market on Thursday.

The event was curated by Nust FM to empower and expose young, up-and-coming fashion designers, food businesses and creatives at large.

This platform gave young business owners in the fashion industry an opportunity to network with the young demographic as well as showcase and sell their merchandise.

Local enterprises set up their stalls at Nust’s lower campus, inviting students and the public to freely interact throughout the day.

The exuberant ambient market was fuelled by trendy music and buzzing students exploring each stall’s offerings.

These markets not only provide a platform for entrepreneurs, but also cater to the need for artistic expression through fashion.

Among the highlights were Thato’s Basket of Accessories, founded by Thandiwe Blouw, welcoming the first flow of customers with bright and African-inspired jewellery and a variety of bags.

Also present was Peacemakers, offering unisex, classy and minimalistic luxury clothing items like hats, shirts and quality bags.

“Our brand caters to those who see the future first, those who are unafraid to be different,” Sonny Vision, the founder of Peacemakers and local musician, says.

Paramount Stitch, the popular thrift brand founded by Pius Djuulume, pulled out their finest garments to sell at the market.

In addition, a noteworthy stall was Dzaamm.

Owner Debora Ndjiharine, a fashion design graduate from the College of the Arts, says her brand focuses on upcycling and repurposing clothes to new and trendy outfits.

This woman-owned business gives new meaning to unbridled passion for vintage, denim and style.

Nelson Akooko (20), a student at Nust and the youngest owner of the thrift stalls at the market, expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to tap into a fresh market and gain greater visibility for his business, Drewhouse Thrifts.

The event also offered refreshments by Mooi’s Kitchen, run by Ndeshi-Helen, also known as Mooi.

Mooi’s Kitchen served barbecued meat and burgers, while the team from Ivolini catered to customers’ sweet tooth.

Vernon van Wyk, events curator and marketing manager at Nust FM says: “The jobmarket is oversaturated with graduates who are incredibly talented. My team and I saw this gap and felt the urgent need to support them in some way.”

They offered fashion-oriented business owners the chance to showcase and sell their work, providing banners and tables to enhance the event’s seamlessness.

Johanna Nangolo, a first-year student at Nust, says she found the ‘underground’ Namibian brands and the products interesting.

She highlights the need for local small and medium enterprises to market themselves at such events, as the audiences is receptive and happy to support.

Inspired by the pop-up market, Nangolo says she is now even more driven to start her own crochet business in the near future.