Fashion designer Immanuel Garoëb, better known as Tsatago, is the mastermind of House of Tsatago, or ‘HOT’.
From dressing red-carpet A-listers to styling beauty queens and completing film and theatre assignments, Garoëb says his journey is fuelled by passion.
He says being an in-house designer for both Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia is a childhood dream come true.
“It was a dream project for me to work with Miss Namibia following Michelle McLean’s win at Miss Universe. Encountering Michelle and working with the pageant was a full circle moment,” he says.
Garoëb says his designs blend culture with elegance.
“Everyone has to keep up with the times but stay true to what they are. Trends come and go, but your uniqueness will set you apart,” he says.
Garoëb has also made his mark in theatre and film. One of the highlights of his career has been being involved in Namibia’s first opera, ‘Chief Hijangua’, and being escorted to Berlin.
He has also worked on short films such as ‘Home is Where the Money Is’ as a production designer and on ‘Kaunas’s way’ as a wardrobe stylist.
“I’ve always wanted to be in theatre and film. There are two additional short films on the horizon, but I cannot discuss those as yet,” he says.
Garoëb says he believes in being sustainable, and regularly applies upcycling to his designs.
“Reinventing old clothes is magic. It makes it possible for people to be fashion-forward without having to break the bank,” he says.
To him, sustainability is about ethical fashion.
Namibian artists Female Donkey praises Garoëb’s work, saying: “Immanuel makes you feel like royalty in his designs. He perfectly marries culture with modern sophistication.”
Being a proud Damara, his heritage plays an important role in shaping his designs.
“My initial attire was a traditional Damara horokhoes. My fashion-conscious mother, who made her own clothes, has shaped the designer I am today,” he says.
His designs often blend traditional Namibian attire with contemporary style.
“There are fantastic projects in the pipeline, but I cannot speak of them yet. I would like to produce more ready-to-wear collections, have more fashion shows, and make more films,” he says about his future plans.
Garoëb says he wishes for House of Tsatago to be recognised globally, and plans to keep providing advice to young designers.
“My doors are open. Mentors are essential. I’ve had my fair share – from family to friends – who helped shape me into who I am today.”
From dressing prominent artists like Erna Chimu and Sally to being declared Designer of the Year at the 2015 Southern African Development Community Fashion Week, Garoëb’s impact is undeniable.
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