Botswana's own fashion week coming

Inspired by South Africa’s ‘fashion tourism,’ a young Motswana lad - Kesaobaka Kemolatlhe - who had been studying in that country returned home to establish Botswana’s own ‘fashion week.’

The concept was also inspired by the concerted efforts that have recently gone into promoting the creative arts in the country and the realisation that the arts can diversify our economy.

During the ‘fashion tourism’ people from other parts of the world come to South Africa to see what it offers that is different from their countries. This is where Kemolatlhe’s idea of Botswana’s Face of Fashion week comes in.

The fashion week will take place in one whole week and will consist of different activities. The first day will be the official opening where stakeholders will be introduced and a performance by local artist, Maxy. The second day has been set aside as fashion fun day whereby local fashion designers and fashion and apparel students from tertiary institutions will exhibit their clothes.

From the third day to the fifth day, 50 designers will be showcasing their designs on a ramp where the best designer will be chosen. The models walking the ramp will also compete for the best model award.

These models who will be competing during the fashion week were chosen on February 20th in Gaborone but the search doesn’t end just in Gaborone. Kemolatlhe explains that they will go to other parts of the country to look for models so as to give those outside Gaborone a chance.

The sixth day is the award giving ceremony where the best designer, best model and best photo shoot by the best photographer will receive their awards. It will start at 6pm and end at 10pm. This will also be the day the closing ceremony will take place.