Freedom to Create: Celebrating Namibian Identity Through Fashion

(By Kimberley-Rose Madzima)

Creativity has become a powerful way for young Namibians to express who they are and where they come from.

For Bertha N Daniel Kapolo, founder of Bergano Designs and a College of the Arts fashion design graduate, each piece created is more than just clothing. It is a way to celebrate Namibian culture, heritage and pride.

“Being Namibian as a creative means having the freedom to express our stories, cultures and identities through art and design. Namibia is a country rich in diversity, history and natural beauty and that inspires me as a designer. Independence reminds me that we have the power to define who we are and how we present ourselves to the world.”

Namibian culture shapes Kapolo’s work in every detail from storytelling and music to nature and different cultures. Her designs blend modern silhouettes with cultural inspiration, creating pieces that feel both contemporary and rooted in identity. Elements such as structure, movement and craftsmanship reflect the richness of our heritage while still speaking to modern fashion. Designed to be worn with pride, purpose and presence.

Her 2025 collection, “Refined Roots” explores the dialogue between tradition and modernity “Culture becomes form and fabric becomes voice. Through garments, I aim to communicate stories that people can connect with beyond words.”

COTA provided the foundation for her technical skills and creative confidence. “Studying at COTA gave me the foundation to understand garment construction, design development and the discipline required in the fashion industry. Beyond the technical side, it also encouraged me to explore my identity as a designer and find my own voice.

It was a space where she could experiment, learn from her mistakes and grow into the creative behind Bergano. ‘’The patience, calmness and understanding of the lecturers helped me explore my creativity. COTA’s fashion department provides numerous opportunities to showcase your work, be more practical and build character.”

She believes young creatives play a crucial role in shaping Namibia’s image both locally and internationally. ‘’We are responsible for preserving our stories while also evolving them for future generations.”

Her advice to aspiring creatives is simple but powerful: “Believe in your creativity and stay committed to your vision. Not everyone will support you but keep learning, improving and don’t be afraid to start small. Passion and consistency make a difference.”

Bertha N Daniel Kapolo is a fashion designer and founder of Bergano Designs. You can find her on instagram @bergano_designs