17 Oct 2022

Organisers of Fashion Without Borders have been commended for bringing together an event that affords fashion designers an opportunity to grow their brand and also inspire upcoming models.

The show, organised by Efigy Productions, saw three designers Thando Piliso of Eastern Cape, South Africa, as well as Tumi Mohoasa of Nguo Designs and Lukundo Simpemba of Bantu Gold both from

Botswana named beneficiaries of the fully-funded Internship Training Programme, courtesy of Mr Price Group Durban, South Africa.

The event brought together fashion designers and 40 models to showcase their creativity while on Friday, participants had the opportunity to be part of the platform; the Fashion Unpacked Masterclass, where discussions ranged from a number of issues affecting the industry and how to tackle them.

Reflecting on that, the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Annah Mokgethi applauded the organisers for their efforts and noted that if natured well, the fashion industry could fulfil a lot of dreams.

Mokgethi pointed out that the event was momentous as it came at a time when COVID-19 had left a lot of uncertainties.

She said time was now for people to utilise their talents to sustain livelihoods and promised that government would continue to support the creative industry.

“This motivated me to be nowhere else, but to attend this event,” she said.

She said this year’s theme: Fashion Frontiers, aimed to highlight developments that affected both the fashion industry and the community.

She noted that the partnership formed with various companies and sponsors not only to support the event but to raise awareness on breast cancer should be maintained for the future, given the difference it brought to the lives of many.

For her part, Mr Price Durban buying manager, Athi Mlilo said in selecting the three, they were looking for the most promising designers that could benefit from learning about the retail processes to add to their own skills.

Mr Price Durban, which has been with Fashion Without Borders for five years since 2017, would mentor the trio for four weeks.

Encouraging other designers, Mlilo said fashion was more than just clothes as it ranged from being a concept to putting up items for sale.

She noted that designers should research and understand their market to find out if their clothes and ethos fit them.

“They should constantly be on the lookout for inspiration and not underestimate the power of social media.

This is one of the best marketing tools you will have at your disposal to get your name out there,” she said.

Tebo Bakwena-Kabisoso, co-founder of Efigy Productions lauded Mr Price Durban and encouraged designers to give their work the necessary attention and not wait to be pushed.

She said through Mr Price, the aim was to motivate designers and give them the momentum to work even better.

Founder of Efigy Productions, Serge Kabisoso said those selected should also be able to inspire others in the industry and motivate them to also participate in the show.

The show also featured, among others, Palesa Molefe, former Miss Botswana Emma Wareus and model and influencer Kagiso Sento as special guests who walked in solidarity for the good cause of cancer awareness. ENDS