Kayenda Brings Fashion Gurus Under One Roof
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday April 1, 2019 18:00
Firmly on that tow, young model, Emmanuel Kayenda, has come up with a brilliant idea where he has brought both local and international fashion gurus under one roof to give upcoming fashion models and designers inspiration.
In his event dubbed 45 Minutes with Emmanuel Kayenda, the talk show shed light about what is really happening on the ground. Sharing his journey to success, South African fashion guru, David Tlale said though he studied Accounting but felt incomplete, so he started visiting fashion students where his passion on the fashion industry begun.
“It is important to know yourself and where you are going. When I started my journey in this industry, my mother and sisters doubted that I would make it because I am a man. But I knew where I was going and I proved them wrong. Today, my mother is my number one fan.
People might think that I had it easy because of my family background. This is not true because I started off small. I worked hard in a one-room behind our house and I was practically doing everything by myself,” he said.
Tlale’s hard work and perseverance paid off as his business grew. He later hired two people before he increased his staff. His aspiration was to become the first African designer to get recognition in the New York Fashion Show and he did. All thanks to his zest of becoming a winner and leader in the African fashion design industry.
He encouraged local fashion artists to work hard, dream big and persevere towards achieving their dreams. He said, “If your passion doesn’t force you to have sleepless nights just know that it is not passion”. He added that one’s passion must give them fear and they must believe in it.
“You must always be consistent. It starts with personal life. Learn to be principled, disciplined and consistent. Make sure you have education because it is the key to every aspect of your life. Also, nurture your spiritual life. I always wake up knowing that I can do it. If Nelson Mandela did it, why can’t I do it? I always believe that I can be the brand I want to be,” he proudly said.
According to local fashion designer, Botho Chalebgwa, she studied fashion design in SA. Her passion made her active in the fashion industry while still studying. That gained her recognition where she later showcased against some of the renowned fashion legends. Her secret is consistency. However, she pointed out that in Botswana, the industry is not easy, but if one has passion she or he will prevail.
Amongst the panelists was Thabang Mmolotsi who started her modelling career at an early age. Even though the industry is still lagging behind in Botswana, Mmolotsi did not throw in the towel as she decided to move to SA to pursue her dreams. She made a mark in big brands such as Edgars, Dark and Lovely and other commercials.
The event started off with a show of local designers such as the football star Mogakolodi Ngele’s MN sports wear, Oteng from Olab Sports Clothing line and Tlale’s elegant fashion wear that included exquisite dresses, suits and men’s night gowns complimented by men’s under wear.