04 Jul 2018

They say beauty is not all about having a pretty face, but it is also about having a pretty heart and that modest dressing starts inside the heart of a virtuous woman before people see it outside.

This is how a youthful owned fashion house, Basadi Ba Tlhwatlhwa (BBT) sees and interprets fashion and the founder of the fashion house, 25 year-old, Gomolemo Mojalefa, who is also the first queen of Miss Road Safety Botswana has only one mission for her brand. Her mission is to be original and design quality stuff. 

The reputable fashion designer from Mmankgodi stated in an interview she was targetting women of substance, who see themselves as hardworking, classy, sophisticated and feminine.

“I was inspired by the woman character of Dorcas in the Bible. She used her talent and the gift of sewing to serve people and change people’s lives. Another character was Lydia, who also used her hands to be generous,” she noted.

Her vision is to dress and empower a virtuous woman who firmly believes that beauty starts in the heart before it can be in her outward apparel. 

Additionally, being a religious woman, the young fashion designer stated that her fashion designs are inspired by the Bible and referenced the Bible scripture of 1 Timothy 2:9 that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel with modesty and self-control. The scripture, she said, clearly showed women that knowing the way they dressed said a lot about them and a modestly dressed woman is like a pearl in its shell.

What sets her designs apart from all other clothing lines, Mojalefa said was the length of her dresses and not too revealing outfit and touts that length is the brand’s signature. 

“I believe that women are centres of influence and courage in our societies and therefore they should see themselves as such and exhibits in it through their clothing and deeds, something, which can change the world without having to say a word,” she added.

Although women are the centre focus for Basadi Ba Tlhwatlhwa, men are catered for at times, noting that she was equally capable of designing African shirts or blazers for males. BBT has been making waves lately by taking its designs to the people and the response has been overwhelming.

“Last year, we participated in one of the biggest shows in Botswana hosted by Botswana Tourism called Heart of the City Carnival Fashion Show and got third position out of 17 participating designers,” she said. 

On March, she hosted Women Empowerment Fashion show at Planet Lodge and also showcased her designs at Francistown Fashion Show and Gala Dinner on April.  As far as the business is concerned, Mojalefa is optimistic and sees a bright future for herself, although she grew up wanting to be a social worker because of the heart she has for serving people.

However, the unemployment challenges that she and the youth of Botswana face prompted her mother and family to encourage her to pursue hands-on courses. Because she was good in home economics, fashion and fabrics from secondary level, fashion and fabrics designs became her career destiny.

She now has a Certificate in Textile and Fashion Design from Jwaneng Technical College and a Diploma in Fashion Designs from Francistown College of Technical Vocational Education. 

Despite the challenges in her line of work, she noted that seeking higher counsel from God before she launches any initiative and encouraging herself through the word of God has gotten her that far with her fashion business.

“My mission is to represent my country internationally in the fashion industry, showcasing my designs abroad. ENDS