By Hilja Shikongo

The much-anticipated Katutura Fashion Week (KFW) 2025 is set to kick off its journey in style with a grand model casting call on 6 and 7 September at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Khomasdal.
The two-day auditions, running from 12h00 to 17h00, promise to showcase a wide spectrum of talent, from seasoned professionals to first-time hopefuls. In a bold move that underscores KFW’s vision, the casting embraces inclusivity by opening its runway to male and female models, plus-size individuals, children, elderly participants, and even models with disabilities.
“KFW has always been about more than just clothes and catwalks it is about celebrating identity, culture, and diversity,” said Marketing Director Olivia Shilongo. “This year’s casting call is an invitation to everyone who has ever dreamed of being part of fashion. We want to redefine the narrative of beauty by showing that fashion belongs to all of us.”
Katutura Fashion Week has steadily grown into one of Namibia’s most dynamic creative platforms, blending style with social impact. With its roots grounded in Katutura, a community known for resilience and creativity, the event continues to challenge the rigid norms of global fashion. This year’s theme focuses on inclusivity and cultural expression, a reflection of how the industry is evolving both locally and internationally.
Casting categories have been carefully designed to ensure no voice is left unheard. From the elegance of tall runway professionals to the vibrance of child models and the confidence of plus-size participants, KFW 2025 aims to create a runway that mirrors real life. “We are particularly proud of opening space for models with disabilities and elderly models,” Shilongo added. “It is a powerful reminder that style and confidence have no age limit or boundary.”
Over the years, Katutura Fashion Week has become more than a showcase of garments it has emerged as a cultural movement. 
Through partnerships with institutions such as Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre, Energy100 FM, and the National Arts Council of Namibia, KFW has cultivated a supportive ecosystem that uplifts local talent while positioning Namibian fashion on the international stage.
The 2025 edition is already generating excitement within creative circles, with designers, stylists, and industry players looking forward to discovering the next wave of Namibian models. For many, the casting call will serve as a first step towards walking some of the country’s most celebrated runways.
As Shilongo emphasized, “Katutura Fashion Week is not just about fashion it is about people, communities, and stories. Every participant who steps onto that audition floor will be part of a bigger vision to show the world that Namibian fashion is diverse, bold, and unstoppable.”
With its focus on inclusivity and innovation, KFW 2025 is poised to once again cement itself as one of the most influential events in the cultural calendar.