Local �fashionistas� forecast trends

Gasebalwe Seretse | Thursday January 15, 2015 10:32

Showbiz spoke to two of Botswana’s top fashionistas and stylists Uyapo Ketogetswe and Thapelo Letsebe, to find out what trends to look out for on the fashion scene this year. “We won’t be seeing many new trends but rather a resurgence of past trends that are updated with detailed tweaks. What is more interesting is how these fashion pieces will be styled by individuals. It’s this individuality that will establish new trends,” says Ketogetswe. He is also positive that Botswana’s fashion industry will grow in leaps and bounds this year.

According to Ketogetswe, Batswana are beginning to embrace fashion and understand the importance of appearance. “The status quo now allows for fashion entrepreneurship by individuals such as designers, accessory makers and event producers. The international fashion community is now eyeing Africa as the front runner in innovative, culturally inspired fashion and Botswana is one of the countries to watch,” explains Ketogetswe. He is also positive that Botswana’s fashionistas have great potential, all in varying interests, adding that the leverage needed is hard work and determination. Ketogetswe believes that some of the fashionable items to look out for this season are yesteryear inspired street-wear: clean and crisp denim, military inspired hues, bold and bright colours, prints, ponchos and blanket scarves.

Letsebe believes we’ll be seeing a lot of high fashion during the autumn/winter season. He says trends that will feature prominently are 60s inspired prints, silhouettes, knits, faux fur, military khaki, capes, wraps and ponchos. “Knitted items will forever be classic in winter. Fur is making it’s way back and we saw a lot of it in the past fashion weeks. We also saw a lot of military khaki. We have seen celebrities like Rihanna following this trend,” says Letsebe.

Letsebe also believes that the Botswana fashion scene will grow significantly, adding that there are many young upcoming fashion designers, stylists, bloggers and photographers. “There is a designer who is making waves in the fashion scene. His industry name is Theorags. He is very talented. His denim only products are edgy and stylish. He always manages to thrown in an element of versatility,” he says.