Fashion Gurus Dissect YAMAs Retro Theme
Staff Writer | Monday January 21, 2019 18:00
One of Botswana’s greatest music showcases Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs) is also a big fashion statement.
After all, the gods did favour Batswana with divine looks. How could one forget the men in black tie, fine 007 style-inspired tuxedos and the women in well defining evening gowns in the past YAMAs?
Add fashion to such lively performances by the industry’s best and visiting celebrities you have a night to remember.
It is believed fashion has historically been created to be practical. However, a major change happened over the years.
Rather than worrying about one’s fashion being deemed ‘useful’, people began to see fashion as linked with the current musical trends.
This is not a random occurrence either, the reason being that fashion and music became so inextricably linked, as music became a method of showing individuality, political beliefs, and ideas rather than just normalised entertainment.
This year’s theme for the YAMAs is RETRO 5 promising to be the most exciting yet. Local designers, fashion experts, radio and TV personalities, artists and social influencers expressed their take on the theme RETRO 5.
Mothusi and Tumi
“It’s up to you. Someone born in a particular year’s Retro may be different from the next. What’s Retro for you may not be for someone else, for instance some may rock the ‘90s, ‘50s and so forth. Give us an old school feel and remain within the glitz and glamour paradigm. It could be Diana Ross. Bright colours, the metalics define the Retro theme.”
Han C’s Manager, Boogie Sid
“Retro 5 in fashion means going back to the late ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s type of fashion, something funky and edgy with a little Bobby Brown touch to it if you know what I mean. As for music, it means going back to when it all started. That funk music we grew up dancing to. For Yarona FM it might mean going back five years to when they first started with the YAMAs.
Han C will definitely be on theme. We are looking for a long-term designer for him. But as for me I will definitely be wearing something with a spark of Bobby Brown to it.”
Fifi Mathambo, Social Media Officer and Influencer
“At first the Retro 5 theme sort of threw me off to be honest. It’s such a time and style specific period in fashion and not everyone is in tune or fully understands what was happening back in the 1940s and 1950s time period.
As for what I’ll be wearing, I think after spending a lot of last year wearing Jubilee XXV, from fashion shows, to Global Citizen and most recently Afro Punk, we’ve had seamless collaborations that made features international publications and so I’m excited to see what the brand will come up with this time around for the YAMAs.”
Gabz Diva, Radio Presenter and Hostess at Cigar Lounge
“Retro 5 I think for me it means the ‘90s era when Yarona FM started operating as a radio station. I am not a fashion fanatic so I will leave this to the fashion experts.
I will definitely be at the YAMAs and will be wearing my own design. The jewellery I will be putting on will be by Fashion Hoop-up, make up Nomlu Beau, accessories by Single Fabstarz while my stylist for the night will be SimplySoulfulB.”
Bouncy, YAMAs nominee
“Retro 5 to me feels bigger, better, colourful and a platform to allow greatness (which is ‘me’ off course) to unfold. It’s amplified and I love it.
Tsholo Dikobe of Khoi Exclusive will be my stylist for the night. As for a designer, I haven’t found one yet, but am looking for the most talented designer to dress me for the YAMAs.”
Katlego Moatshe, Jubilee XXV Designer
“The theme Retro 5, my interpretation of it is varied, but I’m more inclined to old school glamour. Glitzy and fun…
Yes Jubilee XXV is designing outfits for some of our influencers and we will know by end of this week if we will be gracing the event.”
Candy Tselayakgosi, Just Candi Owner and Image Consultant
“What are the odds that Just Candi Boutique’s clothing line for this season is spot on with the Retro theme? Huh! I mean the late ‘80s and ‘90s fashion is coming back with a bang and as a boutique owner it’s my responsibility to dress my customers with the latest trends.
Am not dressing anyone to be precise, but everyone is welcome at the store to be dressed for the night. We have a lot of retro fashionable outfits in stock. With Just Candi Boutique you don’t have to worry about dressing like the next person. I assure you, you will uniquely shine and sparkle the night away.”
Gabby Mochudi, Style Architect and Influencer
“Retro 5 to me means the different millennials of retro like the ‘90s, ‘80s and ‘70s. I believe that the word retro really means vintage, like the fashionable vintage.
I will be gracing the event. Since am a style architect I will be doing my clients’ hair, make-up and style their outfits.
My designer is Nabi of Hibah Tikvah Design. She understands that I like to be different and definitely stand out ha, ha. Last year I was at the YAMAs and I was spot on when it came to the theme as both my hair and outfit were spicy red. I believe since Bonang Matheba will be hosting the YAMAs that alone raises the bar fashionwise, as she is a fashionista. Am really excited about this year’s YAMAs.”