The birth of Kany M
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Friday March 9, 2018 21:33
Having only burst into the local fashion industry last year, Molale is now launching his new brand identity through his ‘2018 Resort Collection’ Campaign.
The resort collection, sometimes referred to as travel collection in the fashion industry, features colourful stylish pieces, inspired by indigenous regions and settings.
Looking to the popular tourist destinations of Botswana in Ngamiland, Chobe and the Kalahari, the collection is a kaleidoscope of colours that sought to rethink the idea of holiday in Botswana. The four collections comprise of a red satin-chiffon that is a modern take of the kaftan.
It is best suited for brunch overlooking a picturesque African bush view. Also in the collection is a multi-coloured safari inspired blouse and short-shorts best suited for a day of sightseeing, and a bustling 1950s inspired flair dress ideal for a dinner outing while on holiday.
“When I conceived this mini-collection, I wanted to take the wearer to Botswana’s most desired holiday destinations. I began by asking myself the question: If I was to vacation in the middle of the Okavango, or a desert oasis in the Kalahari what would I wear to make the experience even more enchanting?” he explained.
Molale says his new fashion brand is called Kanyo M: Kanyo being the last letters of his first name Boikanyo and M the first letter of his surname.
The two come together in a signature style font to give it a designer touch.
The distinct personal touch added to the brand however comes in the form of its symbol, a Kudu skull bearing horns with graceful curls.
“I am a Morolong and by ethnicity our totem is the Kudu (Tholo in Setswana). I wanted to create an identity or marker that would speak to my design philosophy and also be authentic to who I am and where I come from. Although a grim representation, it shows that there is life after death by beautification. It speaks to the fact that despite the tumultuous trend wheel that society creates Kanyo M shall always breathe individuality to the lives of those who wear the brand ”, Molale explained.
He also revealed that the Kudu is by nature an effortlessly elegant and graceful animal and it is what he aims to capture when he creates; sartorial sophistication, elegance and class for the modern graceful woman.
When asked about what to expect from the brand in 2018, Molale said he would mainly be offering bespoke fashion design services for women and hopes to expand into men’s wear and children’s wear.