As part of the 2006 World AIDS Day activities, OYO last year embarked on a massive condom exhibition. Over 250 condoms from various countries have so far been received and exhibited at Maerua Mall shopping centre, Gustav Voigt shopping centre, Katutura Shoprite and the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) in Windhoek.
To spice up the display, an exhibition of condom themed garments was organized. OYO built up on the collection started in 2004 with Chakirra Claasen’s collection on nudity, and in 2005 with Anne Ting, Maria Caley and Sweetness Mwandwa-Mubita’s condom collection. This year, they were joined by new comers Golden and Evaina, UNAM fashion students Jacques Guto and Patricia Mtembaleka, and young Namibian designer Ina Maria.
Golden and Evaina's ready-to-wear collections were fresh, yet subtle. Inspired by summer, one could easily imagine young women walking by the beach in those garments. Patricia’s collection had an African flair – simple, yet elegant, while Jacques Guto’s red garments clearly reminded us of HIV/AIDS.
The highlight of the evening however was Ina Maria’s unique collection. Her concept was linked to eroticism and the idea that even wrapped in a rubber, one can be sensual. We are trying to get people talking about condoms, and to convey the message that they are not a punishment. They are a tool to use while having sex to protect yourself, and with a little imagination it can be fun to use them.
Wrapped in cling-film and surrounded by condoms, the models embody the condoms themselves. While briefing the models, Ina explained, “You become the condom.” Once you have seen Ina Maria’s collection, I you will see that it is erotic to be condom-wrapped! This collection shows that you can protect yourself, you can use rubber in the intimacy of your room, and yet be very sexy and sensual. The audience absolutely adored the collection!
The show was recorded by both the Namibian Broadcast Corporation (NBC) and OneAfricaTV. It therefore ensured that many people across Namibia have seen it. We wish to thank the two TV stations for taking an interest in this work.
