George Shiyepo Illarius on reinventing POM Couture and the power of fresh starts

In the ever-evolving landscape of Namibian fashion, George Shiyepo Illarius has built a reputation for thoughtful, boundary-pushing streetwear under his brand, Presentation of My Life (POM) Couture. After a period of relative quiet, he is back with a striking new collection, ‘KANDAKOLE POM STARTER KNOCK OFF,’ a fusion of sports-inspired streetwear and bold headwear that signifies both a creative and personal rebirth.“This capsule collection is all about optimism and gratitude,” Illarius said in an exclusive interview with Namibian Sun. “It’s about celebrating a fresh start, even after taking a break.”A Collection rooted in revivalReleased toward the end of 2024, ‘KANDAKOLE POM STARTER KNOCK OFF’ represents a return to the core aesthetics that first put POM Couture on the map. With a design ethos that blends urban influence with a distinctly Namibian sensibility, the collection aims to resonate with long-time fans while attracting a new audience.“We gave our regular clients first dibs,” Illarius said. “For those who want to get their hands on it, we’re available on Instagram (@pom_couture). We also offer early access to future collections—usually two to three months before public release.”Lessons from a creative hiatusDespite his brand’s growing reputation, Illarius took a step back from fashion after facing setbacks with his previous collection, ‘Family Values.’ While the marketing campaign was strong, overlooked production details—such as fabric quality and sizing—forced a costly recall.“It was a huge financial hit, especially because our production process relies on overseas ‘cut and sew’ techniques,” he admitted. “Beyond that, I also needed time to focus on my medical career—I’m a certified general practitioner—and my family.”While the break came with challenges, it also provided clarity. Now, Illarius sees ‘KANDAKOLE POM STARTER KNOCK OFF’ as a return to fundamentals, a way to rebuild the brand with renewed purpose and intention.Looking ahead: The future of POM CoutureIllarius remains committed to using fashion as a medium for storytelling. As POM Couture moves forward, he hopes to further spotlight Namibian narratives through his designs.“We have some exciting projects in the pipeline, and we’re actively working toward our first fashion show or a potential residency at MTC Windhoek Fashion Week,” he revealed. “It’s an interesting time in our country, and we want to be part of the conversation.”Making an Impact, one design at a timeWhile Illarius acknowledges that POM Couture’s impact on the industry is still growing, he sees value in inspiring the next generation of Namibian creatives.“If our work encourages a kid to start screen-printing shirts or customizing jeans, that’s already a contribution,” he said. “Ultimately, I want this collection to remind people that it’s okay to start over, set high standards, and never compromise on quality.”

George Shiyepo Illarius on reinventing POM Couture and the power of fresh starts

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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George Shiyepo Illarius on reinventing POM Couture and the power of fresh starts

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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