Fashion: Visionary Threads

Why Annastasia Aindongo is the next big Namibian crochet talent to watch

By Rukee Kaakunga

While the global fashion scene remains obsessed with speed and fast fashion, Africans remain rooted in a slower, more meaningful articulation of fashion. In Namibia, the same is true. Meet Annastasia Aindongo, a talented Namibian woman who handcrafts crochet fashion through her brand, Crochets by Annah. A Katutura Fashion Week alumnus and award-winning creative, Annah (as she is affectionately known) is proving that crochet outfits may be the future of intentional, handmade fashion.

Her vision goes beyond her Crochets by Annah studio as she is slowly building a beautiful movement through a youth skills development programme. The programme, which saw her train 20 youths at a three-day training workshop in Outapi, ensures that Annah is preparing the next generation of Namibian creatives with crucial skills that will empower their futures.

I sat down with Annah to talk to her about fashion, texture and brand building for a sustainable future…

How did you discover crocheting, and when did you realise it could be a medium for a fashion line rather than just a hobby?

I discovered crocheting out of curiosity at first. It started very casually, just me learning stitches and making small pieces, but the more I created, the more I realised I wasn’t just following patterns, I was imagining outfits. I would look at yarn and already see a top, a fit, a whole look. That’s when it clicked for me that crochet didn’t have to stay a hobby. It could be fashion. It could be wearable, expressive and bold. That’s really where Crochets by Annah was born.

When you start a new design, does it begin with a specific type of wool, a sketch or a particular mood you want to capture?

Most of the time, it starts with a mood. A feeling I want the piece to give. Sometimes it’s confidence, sometimes softness, sometimes something a little daring. From there, I choose the yarn that matches that feeling, the texture, the weight, even the colour. I don’t always sketch; I like letting the piece grow in my hands. I adjust as I go, shaping it stitch by stitch until it feels right.

What inspires and influences your work?

A lot of my inspiration comes from women, bodies and movement. I love texture that hugs, shapes and flows with the body. I’m also inspired by everyday life, how people dress, how they carry themselves and even how light falls on fabric. Sometimes I will see an outfit or a detail and think, “I can translate that into crochet.”

How are you using your designs to redefine what handmade knitwear looks like for the modern Namibian wardrobe?

I’m very intentional about making crochet feel current and wearable, not something you only bring out on special occasions. My pieces are designed to be styled with shorts, skirts, denim and things people already own. I want crochet to feel confident, sexy and effortless for the modern Namibian woman. Not traditional in a limiting way, but expressive and bold.

How does the “slow” nature of your craft change your relationship with the clothes you create?

Crochet forces you to slow down and be present. Every piece takes time, patience and intention, so I naturally form a deeper connection with what I make. I know every stitch, every adjustment, every moment that went into it. It makes the clothes feel personal, almost alive in a way, because they are made with care, not speed.

What is the most complex piece you’ve ever made, and what did it teach you about the limits of wool?

Some of my fitted tops have been the most challenging, especially when shaping the body without losing comfort. Those pieces taught me that yarn is more flexible than people think; you just need to understand tension, structure and balance. It pushed me to trust my instincts and experiment more instead of playing it safe.

When someone puts on one of your pieces, how do you want them to feel?

I want them to feel confident and seen. Like they do not need to explain themselves. You don’t need a specific body type or personality, just confidence and openness. Crochet already speaks, so the person wearing it just needs to own it.

Looking at the evolving fashion scene in Namibia, where do you see your brand in five years?

In five years, I see Crochets by Annah being a recognised handmade fashion brand, not just locally but beyond Namibia. I want my work to represent creativity, quality and individuality. I also see the brand growing in terms of who it caters to. I’m currently working on introducing more pieces for men, which is something I’m really excited about. My goal is to accommodate both genders and create crochet pieces that anyone can feel confident wearing. I see growth, more collaborations, and a stronger presence in the fashion space, while still staying true to handmade craft.

What boundaries are you excited to push next in the world of wearable crochet art?

I want to push structure and detail, experimenting more with shapes, textures and even embellishments. I’m excited to explore how far crochet can go in fashion, especially in creating pieces that feel like art but are still wearable and practical.

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