Why These Wedding Dresses Matter More Than Most | Style Out There | Refinery29

On this episode of Style Out There, our host, Connie Wang ventures to Namibia to learn about the fashion of the Herero people. Still in recovery from a genocide, the clothes they still wear today represent a lot more than just an outfit. Watch this episode of Style Out There to see these traditions featured in a fashion week in Namibia!
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In fashion, what's seen on the streets is just as important as what goes down the runway. R29's Style Out There takes a look at the drastically different subcultures around the world, examining the myriad influences that color what we wear - and why.
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[@refinery29]

How would you describe your style in a word? Comment below!

[@carlossebastiannecroticgot7232]

Refinery29 Dark and mysterious

[@awarenessvillage]

Boho-casual-70s

[@amber3244]

Comfortable

[@megamango1170]

Refinery29 may you please do a video on the oshiwambo tribe??

[@megamango1170]

Refinery29 it's in Namibia.

[@TheShhSecret]

"I wouldn't want to be anybody else instead of me, myself." You don't often see someone with that self-love and confidence at that age. Love it. These videos are so interesting!

[@refinery29]

+rebeccalouise Glad you think so. Thanks for watching! :)

[@dogscott7881]

Rebecca Louise agreed.

[@zappawoman5183]

Imon I think we're all God's children and we all have souls. I believe that souls transcend race, they are an aspect of God. I believe God is pleased with his children when they all try to get on together. God bless the young lady for having such pride in who she is, she is perfect because she is who God made her.

[@chibaby0306]

and she is absolutely stunning and super smart

[@sorryidontspeakbroke6712]

Rebecca Louise yes and wow beautifully said 💗💗💗

[@chareenkauazunda5875]

As a Herero woman, this makes me happy to see our culture being represented in such a beautiful light. Our women are gorgeous.

[@SUNROSE7878]

Speak it, preach it, tell the truth for what it is: YES THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL WOMEN!!! 💕💕💕

[@grateful1ne364]

THEY ABSOLUTELY ARE STUNNING 😍 MUCH LOVE

[@curryinahurry1746]

Ya'll look like absolute models, honestly don't know how you guys have such good genetics 💗💞

[@anciakatjiteo8567]

Agree with you, sister from another mom

[@susanmazzanti5643]

Yes they are gorgeous and your culture has wonderful fashion ability.

[@Indiegirl007]

What that little girl said about herself and about getting her first dress.... was powerful. She is such a wise young lady. And when she put on that dress, I almost cried. She looked so pretty and so proud of it. 😭

[@viv5493]

She was 12, not exactly a "little girl".

[@Indiegirl007]

**firefox ** So, yeah, like I said, little girl. 🙄

[@viv5493]

Indiegirl007 I was pointing out a flaw in your comment, calm down.

[@Indiegirl007]

**firefox ** And I was saying that I knew what I was saying the first time, so therefore it wasn't a flaw, it was EXACTLY what I intended to say. 😊

[@larisagehmie5127]

12 is young! She is a little girl

[@johngablesmith4671]

Can we talk about how beautiful these Namibian models are? Victoria's Secret what?

[@jingmaleis2669]

John Gable Smith yes they are beautiful they don't need to be white

[@bellablackmist5033]

Right?? They're gorgeous

[@kenziewinchester3304]

jing maleis since when was this about skin color?

[@drkim4077]

Why can’t you just bring them up without bringing others down? What’s wrong with you? 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@Shubeyt2335]

vivi Hutson ‘those blacks’ wow classy and I’m pretty sure there are black Brazilians aswell love 😚

[@schonesleben5365]

I really want this to be shown in German Schools. In history class we barley talk About the genocide, especially because German politicans never really apologised or even gave the artworks back they have stolen from OvaHerero and Nama. It is really a shame that there are still Streets in Germany being named after soldiers involved in the genocide. And yet the only Thing we learn is that "Other colonies were much worse!" Documentaries like This are needed so much here. Thank you a lot for bringing Herero culture a bit Closer to me, cause german education does almost Nothing About it.

[@ninobk196]

I agree. I have spoken about this with some German friends and they literally have no idea. Never heard of it!

[@ClimaticStrike]

Please don't forget the Damaras and what they went through

[@kristinbornemeier2523]

Yeah we did issue it shortly in our History class but the course was at a higher level than the standard history classes. I'm going to be a History teacher myself and I hope that I will be able to issue it a bit more...

[@dogcatfamily2476]

We can never forget the past and we must bright to light all evil to show its face, its scars and stop it from ever repeating. PLEASE keep this conversation going in your country as I will in USA.💓 TY every life lost was a tragedy. I feel sad the people of Namibia think they will get reparations (as they deserve) at least for Germany to build a community center where a small memorial can be established as atonement but, if the powerful and influential WW2 survivors have been unable I feel less chance here. Ty for trying to make a change. So tragic, maybe others will step up to do the right thing.

[@gabziiee]

As a black person in England I would just love to learn all about history like this. I wish there was an option to learn about history in relation to black and white. As a black person ive grown up knowing nothing about black culture and history and it’s just really weird being in a world where we don’t learn about black history unless we discover ourselves

[@varaah2082]

So grateful to have been a part of this documentary. Thanks to the entire Refinery29 team for telling our stories so beautifully and shedding light to issues the world refuses to acknowledge. You are all doing important work. Thank you

[@refinery29]

+varaah Thank YOU for watching! :)

[@sullagod]

You are so pretty!

[@edunlap6594]

You and your people are gorgeously resilient!

[@MonicaSpauldingfreelance]

Varaa H , you are not only beautiful but inspiring. ❤ May you continue a blessed life.

[@tishnorman2726]

I'm so very proud of you. You're absolutely regal and stunning. Inspired

[@sassymedea3065]

Glad to see Africa bring portrayed in a positive light🤗

[@kaylakoechig7906]

Jenny Sands says a white woman who probably lives in California lmao

[@laurenbi]

Devil's Adv0cate Uhm there are unfortunately some really negative things going on in Africa, child soldiers and the like shouldn’t just be ignored either. :(

[@laurenbi]

Devil's Adv0cate Definetly!! Media portrayal is very ignorant and one-sided. I have a friend from Angola and she has so many sweet stories ❤️

[@sullie09]

Sassy Medea It's not as positive as you might think. After being raped and robbed of their culture European colonisers have taught them an alternative version of history. Did you notice the lady handing out flyers to her fellow Herero people who don't know what happened to them in relatively recent history? What that does to a people Sinead O'Connor explains very well in her song Famine.

[@beytnatzrymyshral3384]

Positive, what is positive about wearing your oppressors garment?

[@lunakelly2113]

"they thought the people here were not human beings" "The women were raped, children were hanged". Sadly, colonizers did the same thing to all the countries they landed on. Can you imagine how different cultures could've thrived today if they weren't colonized.

[@lunakelly2113]

Labellekiki14 you're right. Rape, Mass Slaughter and the loss of their rich culture is definitely the best thing that happened to these countries.

[@Hewwo333]

Yeah, I was just learning about Latino America, where I come from, and the cruelty of the Spaniards. It was truly horrific what colonizers did to the people they colonized.

[@thatgirlwiththeafro1141]

Black Cat Here you go trying to flip it. Can you not just agree that colonization is messed up period?

[@kathambikinoti4217]

Black Cat Colonialism everywhere in Africa was based on the notion of white supremacy. We are all human beings. It is never justifiable to oppress another human being because you believe you are superior.

[@plusa6829]

Black Cat doesn’t justifies their actions :/

[@coldwelthsimms5958]

Extremely proud because God made me that way, I have to appreciate the way he made me. I wouldn't want to be someone else instead of myself...Wow I feel so much confidence from hearing this

[@TheGreenlove87]

That was a powerful speech.

[@SUNROSE7878]

What that young girl said is so powerful and empowering! The respect and honor and love she has for herself is Rich beyond her words. In this time where so-called beauty is made up of implants of silicone parts, fake: butts, breast, cheekbones and plastic surgery galore to look like someone else's concept of beauty, and therefore accepted. Now that is sad. Yes, it is extraordinary to hear a young girl say, "... that is way God made me." I love it!!! Peace 💕💕💕

[@rozhin6055]

You might wanna listen to Epiphany by BTS and have the subtitles on too.

[@tammyr.5203]

I nearly cried watching this young lady get her dress! It's wonderful seeing someone so young have such a strong sense of identity and self-worth/self-esteem, especially for her cultural background and traditions. I hope the Herero people get the recognition they deserve, fashion is just the beginning!

[@nikkirabie7921]

I'm so proud that my country is finally seen by other people

[@4knewt505]

this was amazing!! that young girl who said she's proud to be herself. I'm from the u.s.. I don't hear that here much. she brought tears to my eyes. so beautiful and wise. can't wait to show my daughter. This is the beauty of our people!

[@marissaburdock6550]

@Sugakookiebaby BTS ew an army

[@masteringlife7526]

Its nice to learn about it but keep people out of your culture. Appropriation happens and others will try to claim it as there own and kick the original people out of it. Look at black Americans everyone steals from us and try to claim it as there own. From hair styles to clothes and how we talk and dance etc. People can hate thus comment but its true!!!!

[@andicarusfell8387]

Truly jealous, I which my culture was as beautiful and diverse as yours. I wish my culture wasn’t made up of cultures that we had stolen from other people.

[@gemmas4829]

I love this series because it brings so much recognition to countries and communities out there who might otherwise not get it

[@MostOfMiree]

Gemma Sanders i agree 100%

[@refinery29]

+gemmasanders Thanks for watching! :)

[@debatingaftershock6816]

Gemma Sanders very true. It’s also valuable to see how we all connect as humans in all times of history

[@christineenubuzor9334]

Me too! My favorite series!

[@PRLoco21]

Gemma Sanders I AGREE WITH YOU ABSOLUTELY!

[@kondjaveii7296]

As a Namibian, Herero woman this makes me proud. ❤️

[@Ashberrysoda]

tuakondja veii you are beautiful😍😍😍

[@kondjaveii7296]

Ashberrysoda I appreciate that, thanks ❤️

[@free4643]

tuakondja veii, I'm very happy I got the chance to learn about your culture, I hope you guys preserve that tradition for centuries and centuries.

[@PrimordialChaos07]

The dresses are more like death shrouds

[@4knewt505]

i'm so in love with this pride in their culture! we in the u.s. are so I'll informed

[@keliarose6942]

These dresses are in a lot of African Art that my grandma used to hang on her wall. And those hats must have been what inspired Sunday Fashions.

[@barbaradiaz6920]

Yes Ms.Rose. Never thought about it like that. Thank you for reminding us about that. African American have deep roots! This is an awesome culture making their women so buetifull. Don't you think? What I love best about the long dresses they are VERY MODEST. Unlike North American culture. What a privlage for these women from these cultures!!

[@missbidica7775]

The reporter is so respectful and open-minded. I love her.

[@awarenessvillage]

Thank you for telling these stories. They are important and need to be told. I enjoy hearing of histories, cultures, and traditions I would never hear of any other way. I believe it's important for traditions to continue. It's how we know who we are. The dresses are gorgeous!!! The updates by the talented designer modernize the tradition, but you still see the traditional in the modern. They are just beautiful! Thanks again for taking us along on the adventure. 😁

[@refinery29]

+awarenessvillage Thank YOU for watching!

[@ashleycarswell5429]

awarenessvillage agreed. I got tears in my eyes seeing the young lady wearing her dress for the first time. She looked beautiful. It's amazing how proud of their heritage these young people are. We can learn a lot from them.

[@astroflight6571]

Telling the stories, the good and the bad, learning and not repeating the mistakes of the past, yes... but fixating on yesteryear's horrors to the point of it becoming a mental illness with it's claws deep into you .... Why do that to yourself? Everything on this planet evolves or perishes. Just move on!

[@PRLoco21]

awarenessvillage YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT AND SPEAKING NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH FACTS ABOUT THIS HERE! I AGREE WITH YOU!

[@maxinebrainey7771]

awarenessvillage if

[@thegirlwhodealswithidiotse291]

Im Nigerian but I love this story. My first time of hearing it but I believe this is a story the world should hear. I would love to get a herero dress for me too....

[@jingmaleis2669]

I am Nwanaija I am Ethiopian the first time I saw the video I am happy for them because they are a serviver

[@boberbib3178]

Nkiru Nwabudike You definitely would look stunning in the dress no doubt. You are all around attractive woman any way.

[@hightopv1352]

Girl you know us African women love to dress.

[@attaasamoahsnr9255]

Same I'm an Ashanti from Ghana

[@Karen-pk3uv]

@@attaasamoahsnr9255 is Ashanti the name of a specific ethnic or tribal group in Ghana?

[@rosegreenstone7602]

6:00 her walk was so fierce. Tyra would be proud.

[@meimei6769]

Taking their colonizers Dress; making it THEIR OWN. taking control of it while making it beautiful. 💜

[@AscheDjidoi]

Being able to keep some part of your indigenous heritage, and showcase how you've survived colonialism/ genocide, is so important, and definitely something to be proud of.

[@shadethrowerbydayflamethro5323]

Everyone who works on these refinery29 fashion pieces needs to be seriously commended - especially the looks into culture and history

[@refinery29]

+shadethrowerbydayflamethrowerbynight Thank YOU for watching! :)

[@NefertitiindaHouse11]

This video was amazing! I am glad R29 highlighted the genocide of the Herrero people and the dress that goes along with the history. I believe it is important, as my sisters said in the video that the world knows what took place in Namibia. Their style, resilience and culture is beautiful.

[@xhibit.6986]

NefertitiindaHouse11 Indeed!

[@prg4647]

NefertitiindaHouse11 if you come to think of it, it's horrible to think that the greed and the need of power of human beings go so far as to destroy others. But like you said, the resilience is astounding

[@C00kii0]

This history lesson was not asked for or expected but it was very much appreciated. This was my first time seeing and hearing about this group. Its lovely 😍

[@TheGreenlove87]

Me too and I am African.

[@checkmattee222]

@@TheGreenlove87 I'm African too but that doesn't mean I have to know everything about Africa lol

[@livio8]

The Herero women's dressing in this documentary reminds me of the special attire known as 'Onyonyo', worn by Efik women in Calabar, Cross River state; Nigeria. Their dressing was influenced by the British colonialists that once colonised the country.

[@christelleilmet3601]

Could you guys please do something on Haitian Culture please. Yes we have been through a lot with the earthquake but we as a people aren't broken or dead! We need the recognition. We are strong and still fighting! #HaitianPower🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹

[@TheChanelbelle]

Who is the one person that disliked this? I've never heard of Herero dresses or tis culture. Thank you for doing a video on this topic!!!

[@refinery29]

+chanelwilson Thanks for watching!

[@karisnyambe3717]

1. An African person who is upset that the coloniser's dress has become the symbol of the very culture it has tried to destroy 2.A German Namibian enjoying modern day apartheid who doesn't want people to talk about the genocide.

[@vera_nika2]

Probably some racist person... but they shall never win

[@vera_nika2]

@@karisnyambe3717 Well if the person is in 1. that is very sad....Hiding the past does not change it...BUT limits us from learning and avoiding to repeat mistakes we made in

[@lisaweaver3291]

Wow! It’s hard to believe those gorgeous dresses may only be worn once.

[@aames312]

Yes typically they are only worn once for a specific occasion. They are so fashionable that you can’t be seen with the same dress at more than one occasion. Different dress for every occasion

[@johnsjohnson6881]

It's a waste

[@jklroxmysox111]

Miss Marie Oh like you've never bought a dress for an event that you only worse once? For a wedding/prom/party/event? Or if you're a guy/you don't wear dresses than a special outfit/suit/tux at least?

[@Nijilove78]

SamaChaos still doesn't mean it's not wasteful

[@johnsjohnson6881]

SamaChaos I've got like two special dresses I use for events lmao. One for parties, one for funerals. You only ever get one wedding dress in your life (hopefully) these dresses are made again and again just to be used once.

[@enniepoon]

I find this video super interesting. From learning about the history, to how it affects people in everyday life, as well as how it is developing. It really showed the complexities of fashion in a modern world.

[@pari-pari5958]

I teared up when i saw how happy Pahaje was in her dress. It is such a beautiful thing to see Pahaje, Varaa, Esther and the all these Herero people being proud and staying true to who they are. This video is absolutely heartwarming and enlightening 💖💖💖

[@beatrizpalacios5517]

This is the first time fashion meant something to me. Thank you for telling this story that few people knew

[@barbaradiaz6920]

Yes like turning women into princesses!!!

[@WateverWatever04]

Guess who's going to fashion week in Namibia next year? 😍😍

[@varaah2082]

WateverWatever04 yaaass! We'd love to have you!

[@AshleeRaynee]

Please...come through! 😀

[@maebholeary2734]

Hope you had a good time!!

[@angelpark9943]

The dresses are BEAUTIFUL.

[@lucymdc6045]

This video gave me chills. Honestly such an amazing documentary. I hope that one day Germany recognises this genocide formally and apologises for it. Germany does not hold back in educating people on the horrors of things such as the holocaust so I don’t see why there hasn’t been some form of recognition but I am confident it will happen one day. Truly amazing video Edit: wow thank you so much to everyone who has commented - it’s been so interesting to read! I am not German so for all the German people who have commented it has been an invaluable insight into why these things have happened. It’s disgusting that what happened in African countries is seen as a lesser than tragedy. It is time to change this ideology. It should be obvious that all races are human and are therefore deserving of equal treatment but I guess for some it sadly isn’t so obvious.

[@refinery29]

+lucymdc Thanks for sharing! Glad you got something out of it!

[@rkeratiloe1]

because they can't hide or deny the holocaust. Germany is still an extremely racist society, not just in everyday life, where conservative Christianity is entrenched into cultural norms, but politically and economically it's one of the most aggressive colonialistic nations out there. The holocaust is only a taste of the horrors Deutsche and Dutch have wrought on innocent people. I feel bad for all the refugees who seek asylum there cos they have no idea what they've got themselves into.

[@jooj4171]

Big Donnie Brumpf ive lived in Germany for a bit as a minority and I don’t think everyday Germans are very racist at all, at least younger urban ones. I think Germany doesn’t really acknowledge its colonial past because the deaths in Africa were overshadowed by the two world wars, and the bigger colonial genocides by Britain, France and Belgium. The reason it’s not taught is mainly because of its weird time period in history, and I really do think of more Germans learned about it they would be just as sympathetic. But I agree it should be taught

[@kiraakakitsune7786]

Well the government did recognized it. They formally apologized and honored the dead on the side of the biggest massacre. And at least in my school we did learn about the German colonial era including the holocaust against the Herero. I don't know what you wan't more. Not all 16 federal states of Germany share the same curriculum, so I can't speak for other people. But we saw and we heard and we learned.

[@HH-bz6me]

Well Lucy your one of the few who dares to ask themselves this question and the answer is brutally honest and brutally simple: like MJ sung: "They don't really care about us" f.e. the Jews and the Japanese got compensation for the horrors they suffered but the African countries never got compensated as African people aren't seen as humans that have feelings by white countries.

[@afternoondelight6741]

Never heard of the Hereros, great video. They need more exposure.

[@mericawillis2338]

When the wiser-than-her-years girl got her dress and tried it on a wave of emotions overcame me. Did that moment bring anyone else to tears with its significance?

[@helllow5410]

That 12 year old is wiser than most adults

[@montiigo]

most 12 year olds are

[@SUNROSE7878]

You better know it!! What she said gave me chills!!!

[@Onyxoko]

I got emotional when she put on her first Herero dress. She looked amazing 😌

[@refinery29]

+ebonyjaja Agreed!

[@finntran1672]

All of these guys and girls are giving me supermodel realness. DAMN Just the first 30sec into the vid?!

[@vnika55]

the dresses: beautiful the ladies: even more beautiful the message: strong and loud

[@ashleyjohnson913]

Yesssss!!!

[@cynsummers7954]

This depiction of Africa and our blackness is so precise and beautiful!!!! thank you xx

[@blackvelvetno1]

Only a few years before the Jews, but we never hear about the genocides in Africa by the West.

[@audrey1116]

THEwhimsical1 exactly....

[@saraht9442]

Oh, it's out there. Everything is in plane sight, if you read. You should do a bit of research. The genocide of the world would give you a different perspective of people. The devastation that people, plants, animals and the environment have been subjected to is utterly amazing. Even look at the documentary by Rachel Carson that explains the quest to have dominance over the earth.

[@saraht9442]

@@hannahsch3796 It is actually because whoever controls media, decides what you are exposed to.

[@saraht9442]

@@bellacortez NOT TRUE. Where is the proof. Where are you getting that information from???

[@saraht9442]

@Valerie Mc Phail Not True!! Where is that happening? Explain?? Also, "Much was gained" How? Do you see the state of the world, the cultures that have been erased, the animals that have become extinct, the environment? What has been gained. You have to be joking.

[@latoyatjatindi772]

I am a proud Namibian, and a super proud Herero.

[@viktoriaking459]

These people are so educated, underrated and confident in themselves!

[@judithyeller5305]

Love the journalist!! Her personality seems amazing like someone I’d want to be friends with! Keep up the good work Refinery29

[@ArtistryRRene]

This made me cry tears of joy. This touches my spirit as an African American Woman...in so many ways.

[@eleya11]

Varaa is so beautiful inside out!

[@MsEliteForever]

Beautiful dresses beautiful people. Their accents are gorgeous. What part of Africa is this? West, South, east?

[@lisaweaver3291]

Saving/ me In the south, bordering the Atlantic ocean

[@mementomori5748]

namibia is located in the southern part of africa

[@petronelladidalelwa585]

South west Africa to be accurate.

[@Ana-ij2ob]

South west is the country before south africa

[@MsEliteForever]

Thank you all. I plan on visiting my ancestors (South Africa), but these people are so unique.

[@yarilizvalentin-ortiz8024]

I love the head piece that coincides with the dresses. Before they talked about it's symbolism to the cow and it's importance to the community, I thought the head piece looked like a bull's horns and they make the women look fierce. It's beautiful. I wish I identified with my own culture as much.

[@imeldakeza9509]

Finally! Namibia is repping where are my fellow Namibians? Proud to be from Windhoek

[@kokowl]

Imelda Keza ain’t Namibian but a win for Namibia is a win for Africa

[@imeldakeza9509]

preach!!

[@lovey322]

My beautiful country, so proud of everyone in this documentary...omake...🤗😁

[@incogneato1227]

I love everything Connie puts her hands on

[@refinery29]

+incogneato1227 Us too!!

[@rosegreenstone7602]

And me

[@SUNROSE7878]

I feel so deeply moved by this documentary. I am hearing and seeing the history of the Herero dress for the first time and I am blown away!!! The pride, love and respect of the women is so moving. I can feel their excitement and love for their generational history, and the spirit of the people who have passed on in body only for their Spirit is rooted in every young woman who wears her own first Herero dress. The ancestors are alive and living among us. "Where I draw my strength from!!" Gives me chills!!!! The dress! The dress! The dress! Beautiful is not big enough to express it's likeness! OMG, the exquisite designs, co!ors, fabrics and workmanship combined with the awesome outstanding women wearing it is an indescribable union. The woman are not just models wearing a dress, they are a part of the very fabric as the dress is part of them. Just as one could not separate a sunrise from it's golden glow, you cannot separate the Herero dress from it's history, tradition, lives that were lost or the women who wear it. What a priceless combination. Yes, "like a diamond." I am so thankful for seeing this documentary, it was awesome, elevating and if I may, pinch off a piece of the pride of the Herero women/community/people. Thank you. Blessings and peace.💕💕💕

[@suziclark4244]

Thank you for shedding a light on something I've never heard about, and explaining the history behind it! Props to these Herero women for continuing and modernizing this tradition. Also, Connie was so respectful and genuinely interested throughout. She knew how to step back and let the Herero women shine, which is so nice to see.

[@skattyhambira6243]

As a Herero woman im truly proud and really appreciate this video. Truly love it. ❤❤❤

[@alaskaisalexa]

Literally everyone in that country is so beautiful and I'm extremely jealous of their clear skin and strong features

[@darrylestano]

Africa always amuses me with the gazillions of their cultures. I love Namibia!

[@missn2021]

Darryl Estaño we are a fun continent with so much diversity 🙂.

[@kamiyabritton5862]

Love the African fashion😩💜

[@shannonbowen7988]

I've just added Namibia fashion week to my bucket list. Thank you for showing us the beautiful people in different corners of the world. ( tel Aviv drag, suicide healers from Japan, now the herero people and much more) Today watching this inspired me. it's been a long time I've felt like this. truly to anyone whose ever experienced any form of trauma know your not alone, you can rise from the ashes and it's true what they say failure IS success turned inside out. 🙏🏾

[@flower_bombay5916]

Namibia we made it 🙌🏾

[@buggijai1246]

I'll never own a dress, but I'm proud too. Thanks so much for sharing

[@janejung7439]

These are some incredibly strong women who found a way to turn a tragedy into something positive....this is truly inspiring~👏👏👏

[@haute03]

I cried. Very well-done documentary. These stories need to be told. Thanks Refinery 29.

[@aysepersona4194]

not only the dresses, but the BEAUTY OF THESE WOMEN blew me away. they are absolutely geourgeus, like they glow from within!

[@danemeow8]

Yes yes yes this was amazing! Please do more style videos like this where culture plays a large part. The Herero people all seem so lovely sweet and intelligent, very eloquent also, and so many speak English so well!

[@petronelladidalelwa585]

Thank you for talking about my country. Even though you said Windhoek, hereo and otjomise wrong. Much love!

[@aames312]

PETRONELLA DIDALELWA Lmaooooo right

[@werefox61]

Those dresses are beautiful! I love the red brocade one especially. And the models are gorgeous young women. Really enjoyable video.

[@rosegold973]

These young ladies are so beautiful and well spoken.. I wish them many blessings 💕

[@terriatca1]

You could see the emotion and pride when the young lady saw and got to wear her first Herero dress, wow, just stunningly beautiful.

[@skylark741]

That little girl stole my whole heart.

[@SocratesCrime]

I have really loving these series on styles across the globe. Really impressive work; connecting fashion, culture and history.

[@AnniApplecake]

As I am German myself, I sincerely apologize on behalf of all Germans. I am sorry that your pain was never recognized. I promise to talk to people I know and my children about herero history whenever I can, so that at least from now on more people will know about what happened. I see that you don't need it, as strong people, but I think we owe it to you. My English isn't perfect, I wish I could find better words to express my feelings towards all of this. Much love from Germany

[@rebirthed1274]

And I love the way the presenter pronounces those words, perfectly. Great job

[@dmohield]

I'm obsessed with the way this channel gives recognition to countries that wouldn't usually get it. The way you speak so respectfully of their cultures and try to learn as much as possible about them - incredible. If you are ever interested in finding out more about North Sudanese style, cultures, tradition, etc. I would be so happy to help. I was born and raised in Virginia with my older brother but my parents are originally from Sudan. In our house, Sudanese culture and tradition were a huge part of everything we did. With every step we took, every meal we ate, every person we greeted, you could tell how much our culture shaped our lives. So much so that when I grauated, I decided I wanted to study medicine in Sudan. Its such a rich and beautiful culture and I hope that it will be recognized one day if not by your channel, by someone.

[@writerspen010]

8:32 -- Gosh, I love that red one so much. There's a Gothic vibe about it that I love. The sheer grey one shown a few minutes before is beautiful as well. They all are! What power and grace fashion like this can hold for a community that fought to keep their place in this world.

[@theserpentcharmer1313]

The woman in the background at 7:52 has me 💀💀💀

[@checkmattee222]

🤣🤣

[@linwoodholloway7227]

😂😂😂

[@maganoausiku1006]

The ovaherero have beautiful traditional wear

[@claireplauche7724]

Ohh my heck!! So beautiful, it made me cry😱😍😱😍💙💜 Thank you for sharing this!

[@mrece2002]

I love how a lot of these videos appear to be just about fashion and beauty, but it’s way deeper and very informative! Kudos Refinery29!

[@raerae6422]

One of the best documentaries ive watched. Thank you for sharing it. I just wish it was longer.

[@dimatadore]

As a Middle-Easterner I can strongly avow that I am sick and tired of European colonists showing up, taking shit, killing, then representing the people they oppress to the world as less-than human and barbaric. I felt the history told in this because it keeps repeating.

[@marving.8868]

The Matadore where? Where are Europeans colonising just tell me one.

[@LisaF777]

Marvin The Martian They colonised most of Africa and Asia, so don't play dumb and pretend that they left no lasting effects. Educate yourself!

[@mdeborah827]

The Matadore As a Middle Easterner you need to learn about 14 centuries of Tribal Arab invasions alo g with Sepharduc Jews into Africa constatntly weakening the Continent thus making it possible for small group of Europeans to steal away Africans and become destructive invaders. Tippoo Tip is who you need to uncover.

[@rebelliousnation3230]

Marvin The Martian dumbest reply.... if you think Europeans have not colonized anywhere you are living under a rock actually a pile of rocks.

[@kidsofyesterday17]

I think Marvin meant presently colonizing in the original way. however there's always current wars and economic systems which are classified as "neocolonialism" but colonialism the way it was first done is not happening anymore

[@THEWeirdStudFemme8]

Proudly Namibian and Herero.........they are so beautiful

[@romeoseven1185]

Omg that model is killiiiing it Jaw droped

[@bellablackmist5033]

These guys are killing it and like are just making the world better in their bright and beautiful way of overcoming challenges. Look at them shine. This is beautiful look at these stars.

[@dolis32]

Wow! Love those dresses and the women who keep talking about the history of their people are doing an amazing job. Is good to know learn about different traditions 👏

[@zkwTV]

This video was so amazing. I love seeing and learning about the empowerment of forgotten or unknown areas.

[@refinery29]

+zymorawilliams We do, too!

[@fortifyjoy]

anyone else feel cultureless? when I see people like this with such strong community and tradition I feel that lack within me.

[@frances4461]

But where are you from

[@nevadag606]

Being from USA makes me feel this way, I really really hate it

[@pesaleman.563]

I always advise people who want to experience deep cultures to, when they can, visit Afrika, any part really. You'd be surprised how welcoming we all are, and it excites us to take others into our culture so that they experience it all. Even for me as an Afrikan, it excites me to experience other Afrikan cultures, I can't explain the feeling of it.....but tears are always involved lol. When you can....drop by. We love visitors in Botswana!!!

[@nevadag606]

Pesalema N. Someday I will travel Afrika! The world is so huge and diverse, so many beautiful people to meet! Delicious food to try and gorgeous sceneries! I wish Afrika had been allowed to thrive and grow like the rest of the world, rather than be decimated by colonialism, it makes me happy that through it all the native peoples and cultures have persevered ❤️❤️

[@cecilec9234]

These women are STUNNING

[@resegofionamodiakgotla]

I'm glad I get to see the beauty of their dresses in my country Botswana as the Herero people known as Baherero in Botswana are part of the many ethnic groups that are in Botswana.

[@ansorz4035]

I'm SO happy KZbin put this channel on my recommended videos! I'm mindblown with all the knowledge and insight I get from these series. Connie is a wonderful reporter, very open minded, sweet and non judgmental. The world needs more people like this.

[@f8ofk8]

The Herero hold a special place in my heart.

[@AneesaH.]

African models are always so striking

[@alexisflowers5069]

this was such an awesome video I'd never heard any of this before

[@magnolia8626]

Queens in traditional dress! I love how the colors pop against their skin!

[@aletheia584]

what a powerful message to put in one garment and the way the children value it as well, incredible.

[@geekheat]

thanks for stories like this! i hope to see more.

[@ForeverLumoz]

Thanks a million for telling these stories 👏🏻 such a strong people and very beautiful. Both those on the runway and those in the villages.

[@Angelinabug]

Really love this video but the title is very misleading. Where in the video mentioned "wedding dress"?

[@internetmoths]

Angelinabug it's just because the dress is typically worn at weddings, but often we wear it at other cultural functions. It's main purpose, though, and where it's typically found, is at a wedding, as you see in the thumbnail.

[@cocomoore2393]

This is beautiful! I'm glad they are preserving their heritage and not forgetting history. And taking the fashion of their oppressor and making it their own

[@EH012]

Connie is such a darling, how she kept asking, "What do you think?" to Pehaje when her mother picked out things