“1966 is the year Botswana became independent, and for us it symbolises identity, pride, and the beginning of a nation writing its own story,” Selei explains. “We chose the name because we believe Botswana has a rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and untold stories that deserve to be preserved and promoted through fashion and creativity. The year itself represents legacy, while the brand exists to carry that legacy to the world,” she adds.
The label’s debut collection, Echoes of the Pan, looks not to politics first, but to place. It draws from the Makgadikgadi Pans, the sunrise, sunset, Kubu Island, and the stillness that leaves visitors awestruck. “We looked deeply into what makes the Pans so unforgettable,” Selei says. “The vast open landscapes, the wonder, the emotional experience of being there. We then asked ourselves how those outstanding features could be translated into lifestyle merchandise people could wear and carry proudly.” The result is a neutral, earthy palette that mirrors the salt flats, sands, and the calm skies of the pans rather than the bold blue, black, and white of the national flag.
