Designer offers African-inspired fashion
Oleosi Kgosi | Wednesday August 16, 2017 16:05
Speaking to Showbiz, Ngenda said in an attempt to contribute towards overcoming the lack of job opportunities in Botswana.
“As a dedicated young woman, I opted to utilise my talent in fashion designing and earn a living through it. I design a variety line of Ankara off shoulder tops, accessories; clutch purses, neck pieces and fascinators,” she said.
The dedicated young designer highlighted that although she ventured into this field just a month ago, she has always been an artistic person who creates and appreciates art.
“My love for African art is limitless that is why my creations mainly express my African artistry, roots and desire. By so doing, I try to preserve our amazingly beautiful culture,” she said.
She added that even though she recently started her small business, she is already faced with challenges of penetrating the existing fashion market to actually be recognised. She added that she is also faced with the main challenge of lack of funds to acquire raw materials for her crafts.
“Currently I finance my business and sometimes get help from my family,” she said.
“I haven’t exhibited my products before since I have just started, but by the grace of our omniscient God, I am one of the blessed designers given an opportunity to showcase their products through the Rock Culture at Cigar Lounge,” she proudly added. She said that her main focus is on women and not often does she cater for male individuals. She stated that her collection is different because it is created out passion and materials such as Ankara, reflecting the African touch of which she says is currently lacking in the existing fashion market.
Ngenda said that she acquires her raw materials from Sismo, Jewellery Box and Electro Hardware. She aspires to own a store, which will display and put on sale her fashion collection.
“I want to see my business and creativity expanding to an international level,” she said. She added that she desires to engage other youth through employment and partnership.