Woudré Tune’s Paris Fashion Week debut celebrates Namibian grace

Woudré Tune, one of Namibia’s most recognisable faces, made her international runway debut at Paris Fashion Week, draped in a lacy yellow-gold House of Poulton gown, in early October. The fashion house’s collection, ‘The La Dolce Vita’, is inspired by the freshness of lemons and the radiance of Namibian light. Melissa Poulton, the brand’s brainchild, says each garment tells a story of home, heritage and the pursuit of joy, while placing Namibia on the map of international luxury fashion. In an interview with The Namibian, Tune expressed excitement over the milestone, which was also a first for any local fashion house. “I had to take a quiet moment to breathe. It was surreal because Paris is every model’s dream, and to get there through Namibian talent made it even more meaningful,” she said. “My first thought was gratitude. Then came excitement, then focus. It wasn’t just my moment; it was a moment for all of us back home who believe creativity from Namibia belongs on global stages.” The Rehoboth-born model, digital creator and actress has been a mainstay on local runways for years. Her features are unique, striking and almost ethereal. She also has the quintessential model frame associated with high fashion. The ‘Ompata’ actress says she grew up in a community of people that were honest, warm and deeply connected to their roots. “That energy shaped me. It taught me to see beauty in simplicity and to carry grace and humility into every room I walk into. I think that balance – between calm and ambition – has guided me in both life and modelling,” she says. Outside of having photos taken of her for a living, she is pursuing a career in forensics and describes herself as someone who finds beauty in curiosity. “I have a deep interest in the medical field. I’ve always been fascinated by how the human body heals and transforms. It’s a very different world from fashion, yet somehow both connect through discipline, detail and a respect for creation,” she says. “At the same time, I’m a creative at heart. I love exploring ideas, designing, journaling and expressing emotion through art, beauty and style.” According to Tune, both her analytical and artistic side remind her that elegance is not just seen, it is felt in how you move through life. Her journey into a career on the runway, including MTC Windhoek Fashion Week, started out of curiosity, she says. After some time, something told her to take the work seriously and to represent African elegance and strength on big stages. Tune attributes much of her success to her mother’s undying support and belief in her. But even with years of experience, she knew she had to work hard to leave her mark on the international arena. Preparation for walking Paris Fashion Week necessitated an all-round transformation. “I trained to feel strong and graceful, not to fit a mould, but to move with intention. Mentally, I centred myself through meditation, visualising every step. Professionally, I studied the collection, the mood and the message Melissa wanted to convey,” she explains. “Paris Fashion Week demands precision, but it also demands authenticity. I wanted to bring both.” According to her, stepping out onto the runway felt like electricity in her veins and the energy backstage was “beautiful chaos”. “I thought of every [photo] shoot in the Namibian sun, every show, every person who supported me,” she says. The impact was undeniable. House of Poulton has made history. There are few people who could truly pull off such artistic silhouettes. “Namibian creativity is subtle yet powerful. We don’t shout, we express through texture, colour and authenticity. There’s a natural elegance that comes from our landscape and culture,” says Tune. “The world should know that [we] are not just watching fashion evolve; we’re contributing to it in our own poetic, grounded way.” – Anne Hambuda is a poet, writer and social commentator. Follow her online or email her at annehambuda@gmail.com for more.