O&L Leisure supports taking Namibian design to new heights

WINDHOEK, Namibia - "This has been a fantastic experience, and I was deeply honoured to represent Namibia on this global stage," said Melisa Poulton from Paris on Sunday after her show wowed audiences in Paris. "Standing here at Paris Fashion Week would not have been possible without the support of partners like O&L Leisure, who believe in Namibian talent and are committed to sharing our story with the world."

O&L Leisure was proud to champion Melisa Poulton, Creative Director and Founder of House of Poulton, as she became the first Namibian designer to showcase at the Paris Fashion Week. With this sponsorship, O&L Leisure reinforced its commitment to Brand Namibia by elevating homegrown talent onto the world's most prestigious fashion stage.

From her first showcase at Windhoek's Warehouse Theatre in 2011 to the opening of her boutique in Windhoek West, Melisa has transformed House of Poulton into a brand synonymous with Namibian luxury. Her nature-inspired designs draw from the country's breathtaking landscapes-the same vistas that guests experience at O&L Leisure properties across Namibia.

For Paris Fashion Week, Poulton presented "La dolce vita," a collection celebrating Namibian luxury through a citrus-inspired palette featuring intricate handmade beaded fabrics. " La Dolce Vita is my personal love letter to beauty, joy and softness. A reminder that even in strength, there is elegance; even in resilience, there is poetry. Through this collection I wanted to tell the story of Namibia on a Parisian stage. This collection is where my heritage meets my dreams, where our beautiful Namibian landscapes become garments and where every piece is a fragment of my heart translated into couture. This collection is also dedicated to my father Herald Poulton who was my pillar of strength and was one of the founders of House of Poulton. I carried him with me on the runway stage and his presence was with us in spirit. May his soul rest in peace," said Melisa.

O&L Leisure's support included a return flight ticket to Paris and specially tailored gift bags featuring promotional items that invite the international fashion community to discover Namibia through the company's hospitality offerings.

"Supporting Melisa's historic debut at Paris Fashion Week was about showcasing the extraordinary creativity that thrives in Namibia," says Maryke van Lill, Marketing General Manager - O&L Leisure. "Her designs reflect the natural beauty and cultural richness that we share with guests every day at our properties. Through 'Namibia Through Our Eyes,' we're committed to presenting the authentic essence of our country and Melisa embodies that vision perfectly. We invite the world to experience the landscapes and moments that inspire such remarkable artistry."

This partnership between O&L Leisure and House of Poulton strengthens Brand Namibia's mission to present a unified, positive image of the country's culture, talent and tourism opportunities. Just as Melisa's designs draw inspiration from Namibia's four elements and natural splendour, O&L Leisure's properties serve as gateways to these very experiences-creating memories as unforgettable as the garments that graced the Parisian runway.

O&L Leisure (Proprietary) Limited
Kaiserkrone Centre, Post Street Mall, Werner List Street, Windhoek
PO Box 2190, Windhoek, Namibia
For media enquiries, please contact:
Carmen Maartens
Communications Specialist - O&L Group
E: Carmen.Maartens@ol.na

Proudly owned by the Ohlthaver & List Group, with its foundations firmly rooted in Namibia, O&L Leisure offers an authentic and heartfelt hospitality experience. At the core of our company is a genuine love for Namibia, which shines through in every guest interaction, turning each stay into a truly memorable journey.

"Namibia Through Our Eyes" is O&L Leisure's slogan and the guiding philosophy of the brand. It is our commitment to showing the world the true essence of Namibia through our lens of being authentic, caring and passionate. We are guided by our purpose of creating a future, enhancing life, and an unwavering commitment to the O&L Persona.

This release was published on openPR.