Moji's elegant design steals the show

MAUREEN ODUBENG
Staff Writer | Wednesday November 7, 2007 00:00

 

Organised by Kgalagadi Breweries Limited (KBL), the event was world class as it met the fashion industry's set standards, in terms of the runway, lighting and other technicalities.
In all there were nine finalists battling it out for the prestigious title - and it was Seneo Moji's design that won the judges' nod. Having won the in-country contest, Moji now stands a chance to win US$5,000 (about P30, 000), an all-expenses paid trip to the Cape Town Fashion Week in 2008, and an internship with a top South African Designer, in the final leg of the competition. The grand finale will feature winners of the in-country competitions from all the participating countries being Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana and Kenya.

Moji's clincher was a two-piece garment, with a beautiful colour arrangement, taking the Redds colours into consideration. The design had red and green as the dominant colours, with a touch of pink in the front of the top. The skirt, with overlapping flaps, has a Victorian touch that gives it that unique elegance. In fact, Moji's designs followed a clear pattern with the red and green colours overlapping beautifully on the nicely arranged flaps of the skirt. While distinctly different, the two-piece, designed specifically for the Redds fashion contest, bears a slight resemblance to last year's winning design by one of Botswana's top designers, Mpho Kuaho, in terms of the high-raised collar.

Moji describes herself as a versatile and passionate individual, who draws most of her inspiration from all over the world - hence her work incorporates different global cultures.

Some of the cultures she mentions as playing a big part in her designs and giving her the motivation to explore her creativity, are African, Caribbean (the Bahamas, and Jamaican), and American (Miami).

'Most importantly Miami's carefree style inspires most of my work, which embodies elegance and sophistication. It has that element that enhances the beauty of most women who are comfortable in their own skin,' Moji explained.

Her design, which saw her stand out, is an eloquent description of her scope of work.

Clad in her own design, and showing that she also felt the beauty, elegance and sophistication of her product, Moji oozed confidence in an outfit only suitable for a princes. Moji holds a Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Designing and Marketing from Lynn University in Florida, USA.

Other designers, who also showcased their eye-catching products included Lame Chilume, a young woman whose passion for fashion dates back to her school days.

Chilume, who holds a Higher National Diploma in Fashion Design from London School of Fashion, focuses on designing elegant and couture wedding gowns. Her design for the contest combined German print garment, and chiffon giving a twist to the traditional garment. Another contestant, Anthony Goabaone Sefemo, a first year student at Limkowing University studying for an Associate Fashion Degree in Fashion and Apparel Design, considers himself the guru of haute couture and avante garde, inspired by the works of John Galliano. He further credits his inspiration to elements around his environment.

Contestant, Kago Ditshego, showcased a beautiful design, affirming his talent in the fashion world. He describes his inspiration as coming from the uniqueness of Africa, especially the music, the diverse cultures, and believes in keeping one's identity. He aspires to introduce a Botswana Fashion Week, which he hopes will expose the young and upcoming designers to the global fashion stage.

Even though she did not emerge the ultimate winner, Opelo Lesake's design was one of the most eye-catching designs on display. Her design, a beautiful dress in a lighter shade of lime, and red dots at the end, was a beauty to watch on stage. Her design also had a Victorian touch. Lesake is studying for an Associate Degree in Fashion and Apparel Design at the Limkowing University.

For her part, Thato Joseph described her design for the night as inspired by the successful, intelligent and vibrant persona of the African women that she encountered.

Tshepo Tselayakgosi, describes herself as a designer who centralises on freedom by designing and creating complementary fashion solutions. She holds freedom as her highest value and says she designs to enable those wearing her designs to experience this liberty.

Two other contestants who reached the finals are Wame Ledimo, who, amongst other accomplishments, has participated in the South African Fashion Week, and had the honour of being chosen one of the best young designers in Southern Africa, and Masego Marumoloa. Marumoloa has been in the fashion industry for 10 years. In 2003, she launched her design label 'BX O3'. She holds a Diploma in Fashion Design from the Gordon Fleiu Design Emporium. She is more into traditional wear and specialises in feminine designs. Marumoloa, was one of the two finalists from Botswana in the 2006 Redds African Fashion Design Awards, held in Tanzania.

The judges on the night were Molwelwa Ouma Disele, Director and Founder of Just Brands-Buyer and Stylist, Radio Personality Boitshwarelo Lebang, Sonwabile Ndamase, the Corporation President of South African Fashion Designers Agency and the creator of the popular Madiba shirts, and Mpho Kuoaho, the 2006 Redd's African Fashion Designer Award winner.

All entrants selected to enter the in-country final were provided with materials valued at US$100 (about P600) to make their designs.