If you choose a name for a fashion house, you have to go for one that is ?user-friendly. We went around asking our potential clients to help us choose name that would best suit our label and the lot fell on Anno Domin,says Naane.

Anno Domin focuses on the vintage look, which is why the designers give their ranges an old though fashionable touch to fit today?s demands.

For the younger generations, the label produces cargo pants, bags, caps, t-shirts and shirts that are both slick and eye-catching. Then there is what Naane and Motsage call safari wear, which will most certainly appeal to older clients.

The two entrepreneurs downplay any insinuation that there might be bad blood between them and the two remaining directors at Odipeca, pointing out that they only parted because of what they call creative differences.

Motsage adds that the four are still on friendly terms and that one of the Odipeca directors, Lesley Motsage, is his blood brother.

We share almost everything except those things that might compromise our business interests, Motsage says, adding that currently they are operating from the same compound in Boatle.

Despite the cordial relationship that is said to exist between Anno Domin founders and their former partners Motsage says: We were always in the forefront at Odipeca and therefore at times we felt stifled to explore our talents. Our own label will now make it easier for our creativity to flow.

After selling their Odipeca shares, the duo used most of the funds from the deal to found Anno Domin.

Naane and Motsage are adamant that unlike most existing fashion labels in Botswana, they use quality materials and also prefer to do embroidery on their products as opposed to patching. Most labels in the country prefer patching because it is a cheaper alternative.

Despite facing tough competition from established labels such as All Kasi, Odipeca, Acapella Kandi, Podi, Bafwe2 and Achivas the two entrepreneurs are confident that they are going to get a good share of the market.

They say that their secret weapon will be changing designs and branding styles as and when necessary.

Naane and Motsage believe that with their experienced head designer, Michael Prendagast, also formerly with Odipeca, they will soon go places.

?Michael is one of the most experienced designers around and at Anno Domin, he is beginning to feel fully utilized so we expect that very soon, our label will be a force to be reckoned with,says Naane.

They also hope to approach some leading artists in the country to endorse their products, which they believe will boost sales.

The company logo depicts two lions facing each other and holding out their right paws in greeting. Naane says that as the lion is the king of the jungle, soon they will prove their mettle that they are the leaders of the fashion world and that everyone else will follow. The greeting gesture made by the lions is a symbol of unity, which they say should prevail in the fashion industry and elsewhere.

?There are shops that have already assessed our samples and if everything falls within our schedule, the clothes will hit the shelves before the end of next week, says Naane.

Boutiques that have promised to stock products from Anno Domin include Big & Small, Sports & Casual (both in Gaborone) and Toni's Craft Shop in Mahalapye.