Millions Watch Herero Fashion Get Modern Make-Over

The Herero women of Namibia, and their Victorian-inspired fashion style, are getting worldwide attention thanks to an episode of Style Out There, which has been viewed on Facebook 4.9 million times since being posted a couple of months ago.

Refinery29 Fashion Editor Connie Wang – who has attended fashion shows around the world – says the excitement and atmosphere at Windhoek’s second annual fashion week, in November 2017, was unique.

She says “placing the Herero’s look in the context of global fashion gives visibility to a people whose history has been overlooked”.

Refinery29 says: “In Namibia, where the average temperature in the summer is 80 degrees, Herero women deck themselves out with long sleeves and petticoats. Their gorgeous dresses, elaborate headpieces, and vibrant patterns showcase their pride in their identity… all the while alluding to the suffering they’ve endured within the past 100 years — including a genocide that nearly wiped them out.”

One well known Gauteng PR, who grew up in Namibia, shared his fond memories of hiding under his Herero carer’s large dress when his mother was looking for him!

WATCH The Trauma and Triumph of Herero Dresses

https://www.facebook.com/refinery29/videos/1798745913521605/

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