Redefining fashion the Reinard Mahalie way
In a year that the Covid-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc in the creative industry and other spaces, Namibian stylist Reinhard Mahalie is tirelessly working around the clock, and his efforts have been recognised by Forbes Africa.
Forbes Africa is a pan African media company, focusing on business, investment, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership and lifestyle. The seventh edition features 30 innovative entrepreneurs, tech geeks, sports stars and influential creatives leading a pandemic-hit Africa.
Mahalie made it to the Forbes Africa 30 under 30 list, which features 30 Africans under the age of 30, who are leading the charge building brands, creating jobs and transforming the continent.
Mahalie, who is the co-founder of ‘The Fashion Soiree’, told VIBEZ! The recognition will accord him many opportunities to use his voice and make impactful change for Namibia and Africa.
“I am humbled by this achievement, thanks to Forbes Africa 30 under 30 team. Fashion is very liberal – and as a stylist, I bring the beauty and dignity to the marginalised and silenced,” he expressed ecstatically.
Mahalie (29) joins fellow Namibians who have graced that list: CEO of Kiyomisandz Sandra Mwiihangele and model, fashion designer and serial entrepreneur Luis Tshita Munana.
The year 2016 marked the birth of the Reinhard Mahalie’s brand, affectionately known as #styledbyRM among many adoring Namibian fans. Mahalie quickly became a household name in the local fashion and entertainment industry – and he is known for his elegant and smart style and styling others, seen on several fashion and entertainment red carpet events in both Namibia and South Africa.
Mahalie has surely taken the Namibian fashion industry by storm, becoming one of the most awarded and nominated fashion stylists in the country. He has won two international awards – the Abryanz Style and Fashion Stylist of the Year (Southern Africa) in 2016, and the Designer Award Africa African Male Fashion Stylist of the Year 2020.
He has also had several nominations for international awards.
Locally, he scooped the Simply You Magazine, Lifestyle and Fashion Awards (SYMLAFA) Favourite Stylist of the Year in 2019.
“I am highly passionate about fashion; it brings me joy to make my clients happy and to inspire others to be great in whichever industry,” expressed Mahalie, further urging those in the industry to keep pushing, staying positive, working on their craftsmanship and to never give up on their dreams.
The managing editor of Forbes Africa, Renuka Methil, said what makes this year’s compilation even more compelling is the fighting spirit of the candidates who made it through a turbulent year.
“The Forbes Africa 30 under 30 list is our most coveted list of the year. They (candidates) need to be honoured for their tenacity as leaders charting a non-linear trajectory to success, and they are also representatives of Africa’s greater talent trove that they will in turn help shine a light on,” she was quoted in an interview with South Africa’s Biz Community.
The list includes South Africa’s creative and digital influencer Mihlali Ndamase, alongside fellow country mate producer and DJ Kabelo Motha (also known as Kabza De Small) and Nigerian musician Rema and many others.