Wearing Botswana’s story with pride
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday May 4, 2026 06:00
“1966 is the year Botswana became independent, and for us it symbolises identity, pride, and the beginning of a nation writing its own story,” Selei explains. “We chose the name because we believe Botswana has a rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and untold stories that deserve to be preserved and promoted through fashion and creativity. The year itself represents legacy, while the brand exists to carry that legacy to the world,” she adds.
The label’s debut collection, Echoes of the Pan, looks not to politics first, but to place. It draws from the Makgadikgadi Pans, the sunrise, sunset, Kubu Island, and the stillness that leaves visitors awestruck. “We looked deeply into what makes the Pans so unforgettable,” Selei says. “The vast open landscapes, the wonder, the emotional experience of being there. We then asked ourselves how those outstanding features could be translated into lifestyle merchandise people could wear and carry proudly.” The result is a neutral, earthy palette that mirrors the salt flats, sands, and the calm skies of the pans rather than the bold blue, black, and white of the national flag.
That will change with the next drop. As Botswana approaches its 60th anniversary of independence, Selei is preparing a collection that dives directly into 30 September 1966. “We are now diving deeper into the events and symbolism of that day: the raising of the flag, national unity, and the optimism of a new nation,” she says. The flag’s colours will feature strongly, interpreted through the lens of how Botswana’s forefathers understood them. Research for the line includes archival imagery and elders’ stories. “History lives through stories,” Selei notes. “Those voices will help shape garments that feel emotionally connected to the moment, not just visually inspired by it.”
Balancing history with wearability is central to the brand. 1966 Designs does not recreate traditional Tswana dress outright. Instead, it reinterprets “traditional elegance, drape, modest sophistication, and storytelling through detail” in a modern luxury context. “History gives us meaning, but garments must still feel relevant, stylish, and practical,” Selei says. “Our goal is to create pieces people are proud to wear every day while carrying deeper cultural significance.”
The brand speaks to two audiences at once. For those who lived through independence, it is a tribute. For younger Batswana, it is a creative introduction. “It is also for the world to experience Botswana through fashion, culture, and design,” Selei adds. The approach reflects how identity has shifted since 1966. “Then, identity was about nation-building and belief in the future. Today, it is about honouring our roots while confidently stepping onto the global stage.”
One piece already captures that duality: the Kubu Dreams Tee. Inspired by Kubu Island in the Makgadikgadi, the T-shirt has become the label’s best seller. “Kubu Island is a place of mystery and beauty. It leaves a lasting impression on everyone who experiences it,” Selei says. “The design captures that dreamlike feeling of escape, wonder, and connection to Botswana’s land. People connect with both the story and identity behind it.”
The 1960s were a decade of global transformation, but Selei is careful to centre Botswana’s own path. “Our approach balances both the bold optimism of that decade and Botswana’s uniquely peaceful and visionary path,” she says. The legacy of Sir Seretse Khama looms large. “His vision was grounded in dignity, unity, and progress. That quiet confidence inspires us greatly. As a brand, we also believe strength can be elegant and leadership can be graceful.”
Designing around national history carries weight. “The biggest challenge is responsibility,” Selei admits. “National history belongs to all of us emotionally, so it must be approached with respect. We want to honour the past sincerely while creating something fresh and meaningful for today.”
Ultimately, Selei hopes wearers feel “proud, inspired, and connected to home.” She wants 1966 Designs to start conversations about Botswana’s beauty and journey. “Botswana is more than a destination,” she says. “It is a story of peace, resilience, beauty, and possibility. From the Makgadikgadi Pans to independence and beyond, we have something valuable to share with the world. Through 1966 Designs, we want to help tell that story beautifully.”