Creation Botswana closes curtains
Creation Botswana catapults local designers to success with P220K in Funding
Botswana’s fashion scene is buzzing with excitement as “Creation Botswana,” a collaborative program by the National Arts Council of Botswana (NACB), the Alliance Francaise, and the French Embassy, successfully concludes. This initiative was designed to nurture and promote local fashion entrepreneurs, offering them intensive learning and boot camps.
The culmination of weeks and months of dedicated effort was a high-stakes pitch competition, where three talented fashion designers walked away with significant funding. The jury for this pivotal event was led by the esteemed Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Lesego Chombo, herself a celebrated fashionista, model, and former Miss World Africa.
The panel also included internationally renowned South African fashion designer Rich Mnisi, known for his expensive and striking creations, even gracing the likes of superstar Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Judges evaluated presentations based on the fashion house’s vision, its potential social impact, and the compelling need for funding.
The winners were announced at a vibrant pop-up market held at the new Alliance Francaise location in Village. This lively event celebrated local fashion and crafts, complemented by live music from artists such as the soulful Mpho Sebina.
Glotto, a minimalist brand drawing inspiration from the rich earth tones and textures of the sub-Saharan fauna and flora, secured the second position, earning P20,000. The top honors, and a substantial P100,000 each, went to two exceptional brands. One of these was Maru, a brand inspired by “life beneath the clouds, in the sunbaked Kalahari Desert.”
Sabine Matsheka, the founder of Maru, articulates a vision of re-envisioning the modern Motswana woman, one who, before modernity, reveled in the luxury of natural fibers, appreciated meticulous detail, and consistently sought fine quality as the ultimate standard.
Minister Chombo emphasized that Creation Botswana serves as a vital bridge, connecting local designers with their counterparts in South Africa and France. This linkage, she noted, is crucial in helping them establish their place among the best in the global fashion and textile industry. The program, she stated, aligns perfectly with the government’s strong belief in the creative sector and its commitment to fostering sustainable enterprises.
Further enriching the program, internationally renowned fashion expert Jean-Marc Chauve conducted masterclasses. He shared invaluable insights into the global fashion industry, covering everything from luxury houses to fast fashion, and provided key strategies for effective brand positioning in today’s highly competitive markets. Creation Botswana has truly laid a strong foundation for the future of fashion in Botswana.
