The fashion exhibition held at the Cresta Hotel on Friday by Starlight Studio under the theme, Fashion Week of All Nations, was a spectacular event that showcased the creativity and talent of designers from Botswana and beyond.
The event was made possible through the partnership and sponsorship of CIPA, Duma FM, and Cresta, who all played a significant role in making the exhibition a success. Daisy Tlhaloganyang, the founder of Starlight Studio, said their mandate is to promote local designers, create different employment opportunities for the youth of Botswana. Also they want Botswana’s designers to go out there internationally and showcase their talent. The exhibition featured a diverse range of designers, including well-established names such as Boi's Eleganza Designs, Diconza Designs, Resego Basengwang, Emmanuel Ameda, Thato Reboeleng and Heritage Dalita as well as up-and-coming designers who were exhibiting their products for the first time. The variety of styles and designs on display truly reflected the theme of the Fashion Week of All Nations, with each designer bringing their own unique perspective and cultural influences to their creations.
The owner of Diconza Designs, Connie Senyatso, who has 10 years in the fashion industry, said she encourages the upcoming designers even those who are already in the market to be patient because this industry needs patience, creativity and marketing strategies. Also she urged people to never give up on their dreams no matter how long it takes to pursue them. The exhibition also featured pop-up shops where attendees could browse and purchase the designers' creations. This provided a unique opportunity for fashion enthusiasts to get up close and personal with the garments and accessories on display, and to support local designers by purchasing their products.
The event not only showcased the creativity and talent of the fashion industry in Botswana, but also provided a platform for designers to showcase their work and connect with a wider audience. Reboeleng said that she is grateful for this opportunity because it was her first time shooting her products or entering exhibitions. She also stated that she was able to learn a few things from other designers and got information regarding registering and protecting one’s company from the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority.
