African Fashion Student Styles to Shock
 By Courtney Moody 
Aunne Lungamen, aged 25, is a fashion student at UNAM who created a series of fashion designs with the intention of making a bold statement in relation to road safety. Why? to remind the people of Namibia that they need to be safe and vigilant when on bustling city roads as death statistics this year reach an all-time high. Her fashion collection is both startling yet wearable, with each individual piece making a statement and cohesively forming a remarkable collection of garments with a serious intent to change fashion, as well as the attitude of Namibian drivers.
What inspired you to create such a powerful campaign?
The initiative came when my mentor, who was also a lecturer at the University, passed away abruptly in a car accident near Osire, Namibia. Therefore, my intention is to honour him and send a relevant message to my country and other nations who lose so many peopleÔÇÖs lives through situations that could be avoided.
Describe what your designs are for this specific campaign
The collection draws from three aspects; which are: newspaper articles, tire pattern impressions and dotted Namibian roadmap ÔÇô indicating the areas in which accidents are most common. To set the scene, I use colours easily connected to the road; such as: black, grey, white, yellow and red. I have decided to balance the neutral colours with the two contrastingly powerful ones; the red which indicates the fatalities and the yellow which indicates the precaution.
Why opt for a fashion collection to promote road safety?
The point of fashion to me is to document the history of the era which you are part of, and right now our country is in serious trouble regarding road traffic accidents. In addition, I looked at one of the oldest ways in which human beings have communicated through clothing; which is through T-shirt printing.
Do you think it is important as a fashion designer to have a moral agenda or deeper intention behind the garments you design?
Every designer is different, and everyone creates what they do for a different reason. As for me, it is important to have a deeper intention. I have a desirable need to make people pay attention to the unfolding of serious events and current matters.
Does fashion always have a message and/or should it?
No and Yes. Fashion is like art. Sometimes you just want to reflect in your art what you feel in your heart. It is great to have a message every now and then; this could allow you to create pieces which are well balanced between timeless and current.
What do you want the public reaction to be when seeing these garments?
I donÔÇÖt want them to see ÔÇô I want them to wear! I donÔÇÖt want to just sell a name or a garment, I want to provide them the chance to promote a considerable thought.
What are the next steps for your campaign?
Seven of the looks will be exhibited at one of the local galleries on the 15thNovember this year. As for next year, the project gets even bigger when I showcase 20+ looks in a fashion show that will happen on the same day I officially launch Elao ÔÇô my upcoming fashion brand.
 
We wish you the best of luck Aunne!