Bilton taps into street wear fashion

nanasaretha | Sunday October 1, 2023 06:00

In an interview with Arts & Culture, Bilton explained that she chose streetwear fashion because it is a type of design based on informal and urban-inspired clothing.

She said it emphasises comfort and uniqueness (custom-made) and, in most cases is frequently influenced by youth culture, music and art. She added that she also focuses on the trending fashion culture. “Passion is one of the things that gave me the desire to express myself creatively through clothing and design.

With it, I am able to pour my heart and soul into the work I do, using fashion as a canvas for my ideas and artistic vision. I was also inspired by another fashion designer who goes by the name Tamsil Designs. I really love how she expresses herself through her designs,” she said. She disclosed that her passion for fashion design started after seeing an eye-catching designer gown on the internet. The pageantry gown blew her away and she immediately knew that she wanted to be a fashion designer.

Bilton said she was interested to know how it was made which gave her a strong desire to learn and make it for herself. Therefore, she watched videos on YouTube and learnt how it was made. She also learnt how to sew at school where she was doing Fashion and Fabrics. She further explained that growing up, she had always been interested in the fashion world.

“It was my dream to add an impact to the fashion industry in Botswana. I wanted to make designer outfits that favoured everyone in terms of money, comfort and body size.

I wanted to run a fashion business that would reach out to everyone regardless of his or her life standards. Looking at the fact that some people cannot wear anything they want because they cannot afford them.” Bilton pointed out. Furthermore, she said the public is amazed by her work. She pointed out that some were also inspired since she was one of the youngest fashion designers and were amazed to see her talent. She also said one of the most memorable pieces made was a backless short nude dress.

She explained that it remained her most memorable and favourite clothing because it was one of the very first outfits she made that came out very well and fitted well yet it was made in a short period of time. Like any other industry, Bilton said there are challenges within the fashion industry. These include mechanical problems where sewing machines break down in the process of orders. She also said sometimes they struggle to get customers, especially during the winter season which was stressful.

“Our mission is to create unique, sustainable, and inclusive fashion that empowers individuals to express their individuality and style. It aims at providing quality products at reasonable prices, not forgetting to provide comfort at the very best level. Our designs embrace diversity in all its forms. We want to offer a wide range of sizes and styles to cater to customers of all body types and backgrounds, ensuring everyone can feel confident and fashionable,” she said.

Apart from being a fashion designer, she is also a full-time university student studying BSc (Honors) in Health Information Management at Botho University. She explained that she is also an entrepreneur who sells shoes, iPhones, and other appliances. In contribution to the fashion industry, she also offers sewing classes to assist people who are also interested in it.