From Gaborone to Rio, Glotto takes local fashion to the world
Glotto weaves Botswana story into global fashion
When they say Glotto took Rio de Janeiro by storm, they truly mean it. This wasn’t merely a fashion brand making an international appearance; it was Botswana stepping onto the global stage; visibly, loudly, and unapologetically.
Glotto’s recent venture into Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, marks a pivotal moment, showcasing the brand’s audacious spirit and the captivating narrative of African luxury, a vision championed by its Founder, Mboko Basiami, a true visionary and curator.
The success of Glotto‘s Rio de Janeiro takeover was rooted in meticulous planning and a deep appreciation for cross-cultural collaboration, all orchestrated by Basiami. “Before I arrived as Creative Director,” Mboko explains, “I immediately had to research on which creatives I would have synergy with.”
Connections were swiftly made with Aisha, a São Paulo-based DJ Mboko met previously through Forbes, and local talents Jota and João for a high-stakes fashion editorial. “Major moves,” Mboko recounts, “first time the brand trusted someone apart from its creative director Mboko but it was a success.” The risk paid off handsomely, validating Mboko’s foresight and the team’s execution.
The impact was immediate and widespread. Glotto earned features on two prominent Brazilian cultural platforms, amplifying its reach thousands of miles from Gaborone. With over 175,000 followers, influential platform, Hypebeast Brasil spotlighted Glotto as “one of the brands that have a strong reception from the Brazilian market.” “That alone was huge,” Mboko notes, validating Glotto’s appeal to a diverse international audience.
As a leading cultural hub that curates the very best of Brazilian creativity and international voices in fashion and identity, Brazilian Apparel’s recognition of Glotto was a powerful endorsement.
“For Glotto to be seen on platforms that champion innovation, culture, and craft, thousands of miles from Gaborone are something I still find surreal,” Mboko shares, reflecting on the brand’s rapid ascent.
The journey in Rio extended beyond press features, delving into meaningful cross-cultural exchange. “I connected with an incredible Indigenous Amazonian designer while I was in Rio,” Mboko reveals.
This serendipitous meeting has blossomed into an exciting upcoming collaboration that promises to explore the poetic and ecological connections between Botswana’s iconic Okavango Delta and the majestic Amazon Delta.
“It’s a conversation between two rivers, two worlds through textile, print, and soul,” Mboko explains, highlighting the depth and intention behind this unique partnership.
Every aspect of the Rio de Janeiro trip was strategically designed to build bridges with style and substance. “Everything we did there, shooting in Santa Teresa, dressing Afro-Brazilian creatives in Glotto velvet, linen, and signature textures was about building bridges,” Mboko emphasizes. This deliberate immersion in local culture fostered authentic connections, showcasing Glotto’s versatility and its ability to resonate across different communities.
Mboko Basiami’s vision for Glotto transcends mere fashion; it’s about sharing Botswana’s story, spirit, and boldness with the world. “For me, this trip proved that Botswana fashion belongs on the world stage, not just for its aesthetics, but for the stories, the spirit, and the boldness we carry,” Mboko concludes.
