Botswana’s Lebo Merafhe, Tumi Mohoasa of Nguo Designs and Seneo Moji of Kaylaamiel Creations showcased at the event, which attracted fashionistas as well as presenters across the region.
The trio was scouted by AFI representatives to partake at the fashion showcase following a Fashion Brunch that was arranged by the Botswana Consulate in Johannesburg back in September.
The designers have expressed delight at this opportunity as they believe it will open more doors for their brands. Speaking to Arts & Culture post the event, Merafhe said this presented solid collections of cotton pieces. She described the AFI fashion Week as a prestigious event where major contributors of the fashion industry meet to share and exchange ideas, inspire and motivate each other as well as the place where new ideas are birthed to propel the industry forward.
“I am extremely excited as I’ve been wishing for this since the beginning of my fashion career. It’s been my dream to export my creativity beyond the borders of Botswana. I finally got the opportunity to have my brand represented and available at the House of Nala flagship store in Sandton and on the House of Nala e-commerce store,” she said.
She said this was also a platform for her to showcase her brand alongside designers who have achieved so much in the industry and as such it turned out to be a privilege to be on the same runway as them. Merafhe said the AFI fashion week will further expose her to the business side of fashion. “I have always done fashion with love and passion and never really focused on the business side as the passion alone was fulfilling. After being scouted by AFI, I was introduced into the world of fashion business where I took master classes to turn my brand into a ready to wear commercial designer brand with an online presence.
This changed the way I perceived my craft. I now had to turn that passion into a value chain that will be ready for retailing and scale,” she added. She explained that they had to come up with a collection that is authentic and represents their true identities for the AFI fashion show. "I maintained my aesthetic which is laid back luxurious minimalism.
The concept of comfort but feeling good is always at the centre of my pieces. With this collection, I did my favourite thing, which is to include structured chic detailing. The pieces are unique with detailed beautifully placed fabrics to create a garment that turns heads," she said. For her part, Mohoasa said it meant a great deal to be recognised "because sometimes you are not just meant for the local industry and to be able to be recognised in another platform/ international stage gives the brand the needed elevation." As someone who has orders outside Botswana, this was just an affirmation that her brand is more than just for the local industry.
"Being part of this means a lot. It opens a world of opportunities for us. Being affiliated with AFI, which is a big player in the fashion industry, means people will recognise you and because they have a bigger platform that I could never have, it opens opportunities for me to the outer world. I hope with this event and also being stocked by their shops of NALA, it opens more opportunities for me," said Mohoasa.
Mohoasa said although traditional disciplines are recognised more than the creative spaces, they (creative arts) continue to show that they play a big part in the economy. She explained that she uses fashion as a medium of activism, something that has kept her going over the years.
