Fashion Without Borders on virtual stage
The annual Fashion Without Borders extravaganza is slated to take place this week. The event that was initially penciled to take place earlier this year is finally happening. It is booked to happen at the Molapo Piazza. This year the organisers are rolling an innovative digital fashion platform for designers, and have adapted to the new normal. It is scheduled to take place on Thursday and Friday. A series of mini events will form part of the event that have been themed ‘phygital’ (physical space and digital technologies).
One of the major activities to look forward to is the Masterclasses, both physical and webinar. The Masterclasses will see key figures in the industry leading a number of discussions on Thursday. Notable figures who will be leading these Fashion Unpacked Masterclasses include both local celebrated names as well as Guest’ Speakers from South Africa. These include Emma Wareus, the former Miss World 2010 runner-up, and an Economic Policy Consultant who will share her insights about the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the Fashion Industry.
Also taking to the podium is none other than one of South Africa’s celebrated fashion designer and entrepreneur namely, Thula Sindi who will share his views on the future of the Fashion Industry in Africa during and post Covid-19. Influencer, entrepreneur, and CEO of Glam Troupe, Mohale Motaung will share with the audience the art of business branding, brand etiquette, and the life of an influencer post the Covid-19 era. The brains behind iZaura, Mothusi Lesolle will also share the business of Fashion in Botswana, and the impact of Covid-19 in the local fashion scene.
Other speakers include Sibongile Mazibuko who happens to be an expert in Hair Care. She will share her insights on Hair Care, and which products to use from BLM Naturals. The Vice President of Corporate Affairs at De Beers Group, Pat Dambe will share her wealth of knowledge on her experience and what it takes to run a powerhouse company. Other panellists include Photographer Peter Yuri on Personal Branding, Business Etiquette, and Brand Association, Khalala Mokefane-Head of Wholesale Banking for Bank Gaborone, about all services that can be offered to small businesses.
On Friday, the fashion show has been divided into two sessions. Fashion designers to look forward to include the likes of Connie Senyatso of Diconzo Designs, Kagiso Lesotlho of Donlu Amore, Trudy Bakwena of Trudy Vidic, Kanyo Molale of Kanyo and many more. Speaking in an interview with this publication, co-founder of the event, Serge Kabisoso explains that the event is normally held on the first week of April. The event focuses on upcoming designers and models from disadvantaged backgrounds and open to all in the fashion industry in all aspects of fashion (visual artists, make-up artists, hair dressers, and many more. The models and designers are usually from Southern Africa.
Sharing the idea behind this year’s event, he notes that the focus is on the business aspects of the fashion industry, production of quality garments, and cultural exchange between African countries. He further notes that the fashion scene for the longest time has been purely for entertainment purposes. “With the sudden mushrooming of model agencies and fashion events in and around Botswana, FWBBW has proved and shown sustainability of quality fashion events that add positively to the fashion industry,” he explains.
He further notes that when it comes to the panellists, they were looking for relevant names in the industry who will share experiences with the participants relating to the Fashion Industry.