Ramsay Collections gain national spotlight

Otlarongwa Kgweetsi | Monday May 19, 2025 07:36

A graduate of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology with a degree in Fashion and Apparel Design, Ramatshaba is the founder of Ramsay Collections, a women’s fashion label that has recently gained national attention through its collaboration with Miss Botswana 2025, Ruth Thomas. Originally from Mmadinare village, Ramatshaba traces her interest in fashion back to her secondary school years. “Art was a constant subject in both junior and senior school. That’s where the foundation was laid,” she says. “After completing school, enrolling at Limkokwing was a deliberate step towards turning that passion into a career,” she added. Established in 2021, Ramsay Collections focuses on tailored women’s wear for various formal occasions, including pageants, weddings, graduations, and celebrations.

The label emphasises structured silhouettes, clean detailing, and hand-applied elements like lace trimmings and beading. “Our design style finds a middle ground between drama and refinement. Some pieces are bold, others are minimal, but all are purposefully crafted,” said Ramatshaba. A key feature of the brand is its client-specific design process. Consultations are central, and the approach involves discussing not just body type and occasion, but also personality and mood. “We don’t design in isolation. Each garment starts with understanding who it’s for and what message it should convey,” she explained. From initial sketches to final stitching, each step is developed with client input, with patterns tailored to individual measurements. Ramsay Collections gained broader visibility through its partnership with Thomas, which began when Thomas was still a Miss Botswana finalist. “It started through a client referral, and we worked on her boot camp garments,” she explains. After Thomas won the national title, Ramatshaba’s designs continued to feature in public appearances. “Designing for someone in that position is a big responsibility. Every piece had to reflect not just her image, but also the dignity of the role she represents. The collaboration has also brought practical benefits. “It opened doors to new clients and media coverage, and it gave us opportunities we would not have accessed otherwise,” she said. Despite recent successes, Ramatshaba is open about the challenges she faces. “Time management is a recurring issue, especially when working under pressure with public figures or major events. We’ve had to adjust our workflow and production timelines to stay competitive,” she noted.

Ramsay Collections is currently developing a winter collection focused on everyday wear. The line includes sweaters, hoodies, and cardigans designed for both comfort and style. “It’s a response to client demand for practical but well-made clothing. The same attention to detail goes into these pieces as with our formal designs,” she alluded. The brand is also looking ahead to regional expansion. “There is potential across Southern Africa. We’re paying attention to gaps in the market, but we’re also committed to refining our brand identity and participating in platforms like Fashion Without Borders and the President’s Day Competitions,” she added. Ramatshaba believes local fashion has more to offer than is often acknowledged. “Botswana-made fashion can be stylish, high quality, and relevant to modern consumers. We combine local and international influences, not as a trend, but as a strategy to stay versatile and connected to our audience,” she explained. While she’s serious about growing her brand, Ramatshaba maintains a balanced personal routine. She enjoys watching sitcoms, especially Friends, as well as romantic comedies and casual outings to local cafés. It is a routine that reflects the brand’s broader philosophy: fashion that fits into real lives, built with intention and clarity.