A Namibian first: House of Poulton’s Paris Fashion Week triumph

Still on a high after her recent showcase at Paris Fashion Week, Melisa Poulton describes the experience as a “bucket list dream” finally ticked off. All true Namibian fashionistas would have heard about this trip as far back as May 2024, when the news broke that the celebrated Namibian designer was heading to the fashion capital of the world.

As soon as Melisa found out about the opportunity, she set off on a fundraising campaign which included a series of experiential fashion events. She also collaborated with numerous creatives, including Luis Munana, who donated the proceeds of a post-fashion show collection auction to her trip. The trip was further made possible by the generous support of FlyNamibia, O&L Leisure and the Namibia Tourism Board.

Reminiscing on an experience of a lifetime

Melisa has only great things to say about the experience. “It was everything I dreamt of and more,” she gushes as she recounts to us.

“Being part of it felt surreal. I expected the level of excellence, but what struck me most was the energy and sense of style that I felt. It was really everything and more. I felt at home. It was both humbling and inspiring to see how much passion and craftsmanship go into every detail behind the scenes,” she says.

What stood out most to Melisa was watching her special collection take form at the event. “Watching La Dolce Vita come to life on that Paris runway, seeing months of handwork, beading and ruffles move under the lights; it felt so unreal and overwhelming. I was emotional in so many ways.” Another highlight for her was the memorialised front row seat for her late father. Having passed away just weeks before her impending trip, Melisa’s father was known by all in the local fashion industry as his daughter’s biggest cheerleader. “His presence was there with me, and it felt so special to see him there,” she says.

Last, but not least, was the audience’s reaction to the collection. Receiving compliments from international stylists and magazines is something that the designer will cherish forever. The collection garnered genuine curiosity about Namibia and its fashion scene. “The response was truly heartwarming. Many guests were intrigued by the textures, the detailing and how each piece told a story rooted in Namibia but reimagined through a contemporary lens. The lemon-inspired tones and ruffles brought a sense of joy and freshness that resonated with the audience,” says Melisa, adding that several stylists, buyers and members of the media expressed interest in collaborating and learning more about the brand.

La Dolce Vita Zest Spring/Summer Collection 2026 was inspired by Namibia’s breathtaking desert landscapes, indigenous textiles and the powerful narratives of its people. Each piece tells a story, weaving history, resilience and high fashion into a new global language.

Namibia to the world: lessons from the Parisian playbook

Melisa lists the French attention to detail, structure and precision as something Namibia could learn from when it comes to fashion shows. “Every show runs like clockwork; timing and coordination were on point,” she recalls.

Another thing she wishes for the Namibian industry, as observed in France, is their investment in fashion as a culture.

“In Paris, fashion isn’t just business; it’s part of national identity. There’s strong support from institutions and private investors.” Most importantly, collaboration thrives, with partnerships between designers, photographers, stylists and the press keeping the fashion ecosystem alive.

Paris has opened a new chapter for the House of Poulton. After making history through this landmark moment, Melisa is proud of the accomplishment and what it signifies for Namibia and Africa at large. “To stand here in Paris, as the first designer from Namibia to showcase at Fashion Week, is beyond a dream; it’s a declaration. A declaration that African fashion is not just emerging; it has arrived. This is for Namibia, for our culture and for the next generation of creatives,” she enthuses.

She thanks her supporters and sponsors who made this historic achievement possible, crediting them for placing Namibia firmly on the map of international fashion and tourism.

According to FlyNamibia’s spokesperson, supporting Melisa was a no-brainer for the company, which prides itself on carrying a nation’s identity, pride and promise into the future. “We are proud to fly Namibian excellence to the world. This is more than fashion; it’s national pride on the runway,” a statement from the company says.

As Namibia’s creative industry gains international attention through this showcase, House of Poulton stands as a trailblazer. Not only has the fashion house proudly represented Namibia in Paris, but it has also helped to redefine the narrative on African fashion. This showcase was a bold reminder that African fashion is not only authentic but also unapologetic and ready to take up space.

Rukee Kaakunga

To follow Melisa’s fashion journey, follow her on Instagram @houseofpoulton or visit her website: www.houseofpoulton.com