20 May 2019

In an effort to inspire local Fashion Designers to thrive in the fashion industry, First Lady, Neo Masisi, has launched an in event dubbed: "Fashion Inspire".

Sharing insights about Fashion Inspire on May 17, Masisi said fashion did not only mean putting on something that looked good and trendy, but could also be used to improve the lives of others.

For that reason, she said she decided to come up with a platform where she could inspire local professionals in the fashion industry, through fashion, to give them an opportunity to express themselves and network.

"It is my wish to see these experts, and the upcoming ones, thrive and I hope this forum will inspire them to achieve their very best. Most importantly, I believe that if people are provided the enabling  platforms, they will reach their optimum," she said.

Masisi encouraged fashion designers who showcased their designs at the event to aspire higher and take their profession seriously. She said, next year, other designers in the industry, like jewellery designers, should also be invited to showcase their work at the forum.

With globalisation, she said fashion cuts across borders and therefore challenged local fashion designers to also come up with designs inspired by culture from other parts of the world.

However, the First Lady acknowledged that in some cases, fashion could also be used to share key messages about critical social issues. Additionally, she said for some people, fashion was a livelihood, an expression of their dreams and aspirations and their way of giving back.

The Fashion Inspire concept, Masisi said was meant to inspire others and tap on talent, ‘not only in the fashion space, but to carry it through as a basic principle on which to support ourselves and others.'

The event was also meant to create visibility and interest in the industry. Therefore, Masisi encouraged fashion designers to work hard and ensure their work was recognised as a professional vocation.

"It's very important that you anchor yourselves, as individuals, and also that you support others. That's the only way you can grow and grow others. Some of us are  products of that- key and very strong support systems," she said.

As fashion trends change fast, the First lady emphasised that it was important for professionals in the industry to continuously keep up to date and network, to share ideas.

"Whenever you put a peddle on that sewing machine, know that you are not just putting a peddle on the machine, but your actually affecting people's lives, know that you are affecting culture, you are empowering other women and you are affecting development. So, that peddle is very important," she added.

Masisi applauded government's commitment, keen interest and determination to develop the creative arts, which is consistent  with the knowledge economy vision that President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has for the country.

Government, she said appreciated challenges faced by the sector and had made efforts to create an enabling environment for the key players. ENDS