20 Aug 2018

Seven budding local fashion designers are set to participate in the annual Masa Fashion Show 2018 billed for October 20 at a venue to be announced.

The event has been held for four consecutive years to a great acclaim and with an increasingly strong attendance.

Speaking at a press brief, which also saw multitudes of potential Batswana models auditioning to take part in the fashion show, Masa Square Hotel sales  and marketing manager Neo Nkele said the seven budding designers are being mentored by seven other more seasoned designers from the local industry.

“We are delighted to open the 2018 season of our show, which has evidently grown over the years and we are proud of our growth. We are even more excited to bring our second installment of the Masa Square Hotel fashion mentorship programme which now debuts Botswana’s rising stars in couture,” she said.

She said the theme for this year is Fashion in the Digital Age, a befitting way of upping the proverbial ante as a business-first operation to drive conversation about doing business in the digital age because the Botswana consumer today is exceptionally smart-technology savvy.

“Our theme challenges our fashion team and ourselves to mesh traditional with modern perspectives and we look forward to bringing to Gaborone a thrilling show,” she continued.

The mentees Gomolemo Majafe, Robert Mothapo, Kudzani Mbulawa, Pearl Chombo, Shato Gondo, Lebogang Sebina and Keemenao Kenalemang, are mentored by Botho Chalegbwa of Botocy Designs, Lesedi Matlapeng of Kefseddy Designs, Tlamo Mosinyi of Bondphill, Dikatso Motlapele & Anita Molosiwa of Eccentric Style Loft, Candida and Wedu Montsho of DihDah, Tankiso Mathware of Priestly and Delayna Scott of Delayna Scott  Designs.

She said the hotel’s fashion show initiative for 2018 comes with a tighter belt of top brands from Botswana and the wider SADC region.

“The Masa Square Hotel Fashion Show 2018 is again in proud partnership with Jan Malan of Umzingeli Productions, Ngwao Brand Architects, Audiotech and Woolworths,” said Nkele.

Speaking on their partnership with Jan Malan, Nkele said the former’s charisma, professionalism and experience in the fashion and entertainment industry made him the perfect partner to work with and lead the production of the Masa Fashion Show, which has evidently gained a prominent place in the Botswana entertainment calendar.

“With a show production career dating back to 1985, Jan’s momentous work, energy and positivity towards the industry has led him to stage high profile productions in 20 countries spread over 4 continents.

“We are delighted to have Jan with us on this campaign. As producer, Jan is responsible for leading the entire running of the fashion show. He is the go-to guy for every detail vetted for this upcoming show and we knew that we would be in the best of hands under this partnership,” said Nkele.

She went on to say that as a leading business-first hotel in Botswana, they remain committed to leveraging their stakeholder relationships to redefine the Botswana hospitality industry, and in addition provide platforms for the growth of Batswana and Botswana businesses.

“We are thrilled to provide a platform for local youth to interact with and learn from innovative founders, industry captains and leaders with the hope that they will take what they learn and apply themselves to become leaders who contribute to the growth of their own communities and the wider economy. We look forward to making Masa Fashion Show an event to remember for 2018 as we did last year,” she said. ENDS