Local designers encouraged to go international
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Tuesday April 14, 2015 12:32
Speaking at the designers’ workshop at Lansmore Hotel in Gaborone on Friday, Tobin said that it takes perseverance and dedication to make it in the fashion industry.
She said even though promoting her products is not easy, she is determined to sell her brand.
She said she started off working in a retail shop, whilst pushing her collection, which she said required a lot of hard work.
However, Tobin said she would work odd hours to make money for her collection.
“It is a great privilege for us as African designers because we get recognition abroad these days. We made our mark in the fashion industry and I would like to urge you to work harder and make sure that your collection matches the world market,” she said.
She also encouraged designers to pursue their dreams with the little that they have and not delay time by waiting for anyone to make their dreams come true.
Tobin further advised designers to come together and sell their products abroad. She said in order for the local fashion industry to grow, designers have to unite and exchange ideas on how they could move the industry abroad.
She also encouraged them to always be humble and stay positive in order to make it in the industry.
Tobin is a fashion designer and Stylist who established her line Miss Boss Couture in 2010. In October 2013, Miss Boss Couture opened the doors to the public at the Miss Boss Couture Boutique in the Tiago Shopping Centre, Oakdene, south of Johannesburg.
Miss Boss Couture is an exclusive fashion label designed for the quintessential woman.
Unlike most brands, Miss Boss Couture has an individualistic appeal, as all garments are exclusively designed as a limited range.
Classic silhouettes with ultra-chic design, infused with bold, flirty and feminine elements embody the Miss Boss Couture brand.
For his part, Bacar told the designers that he took risks and persevered in order to be where he is.
He said he lost a lot of money trying to look for the right material and also selling his line in the European market.
He said even though at first it was difficult to get connections, due to passion and perseverance, he was able to make it and he believes that he will go far.
Just like Tobin, he encouraged designers to come together and form a union that can represent them.
“When you come together and speak in one voice like we do in our country, your government can help you with travelling expenses just like ours.
“By so doing, you can also be able to partake in international fashion shows. If you decided to do things solo, you will not succeed in this industry as we need each other,” he advised.
One of the local designers whose name has been viral on national airwaves and print media, Mothusi Lesolle, agreed with the duo.
He said it was high time they came together and spoke in one voice to get help from the government and business community.
He said together they could nurture fashion industry and get Batswana to appreciate local designs better.
He also advised designers to take their profession seriously and strive to take it to higher heights.