The Queen’s wardrobe on fleek!
WeekendLife
It takes so much to define a Queen beyond fashion, but ultimately a Queen does not yield to fashion whims. Her style should be constant and intrinsic to her identity. Her look should appear effortless, it should be subtle and be able to send out all the required message that of unwavering, tact, classy and diplomacy, when the occasion allows, she should be draped in opulent elegance.
Our style crush this week goes to the reigning Queen Miss Botswana, Oweditse Phirinyane, who has been dishing us lots and lots of fashion moments allowing her to move closer to being a fashion icon. Whilst her body is utterly cooperating with all her elegant style, the Queen has been tremendously majestic lately. From the crown of her head to the sole of her patent shoes, she has not put a foot wrong when it comes to her wardrobe, which is inspiring.
Whilst we can give scream on her fashion signature, credit should be given where it’s due. Local designers have been a force to be reckoned with especially when it comes to pulling off the best home-made designs. Phirinyane is often seen with eye catching designs from her crown to her opulent furs as well as her short sleeved outfits clinched at her waist. Marking a new unveiling fashion wave that has hit streets, towns, malls and the entire evolving fashion world.
Phirinyane takes pride and notice the hardwork of local designers and while that may be the case the petite Queen has made it her mission to be used as a canvas to showcase exactly how amazingly talented locat fashion designers are. Many came dashed quickly to bow to the Queens word, and have been sponsoring her since. The Queen was spotted at South African Fashion Week were she was draped in Thabied flowy piece.
Her series of days at the Fashion show was a total vision, she was spotted in flare rose gold pants, a design by Funky Resy. She did not hold back again the next, adorning a yellow fur crop top combined with red pants by Thabied. The past weekend she had graced Masa Fashion show ramp with her fierce walks where she showcased local designs. The event was held under the theme, ‘Spotlight on Botswana’. The Queen came all girded and was seen strutting and showing some of Botswana’s top fashion designs.
Perhaps the incorporation of designers to dress Miss Botswana, brought an elegant twist to her wardrobe. It’s hard to say if the elegance is because of the designers or the Queen who can pull off just about anything, whatever the case the end results are impeccable. We do not only get to see the Queen dishing fire but we have seen all sorts of glamour that the fashion industry possesses. They have upheld the global standard. In an interview with WeekendLife, the owner of a fashion house dubbed Thabied by Thabiso Dibeela, took us on a fashion trip on what it takes to dress a Queen.
“She just possesses the graciousness in her that speaks sophistication. That is what speaks volumes of who we are, having built a professional rapport with her, makes it easier to clothe her as she lets you be the designer. You must have noticed that even her casual wear has an element of elegance. She is simple yet classy,” she said. While many people are intrigued by gorgeous outfits, Dibeela believes that outfits should be complimentary to who you are.
“I believe that garments must compliment you not overshadow you and your personality as a beauty, you have to balance, so that as people are looking and admiring the dress they are not lost and immersed in the outfit more than in you. Her silhouette as well carries designs very well,” she said. Currently Dibeela is knitting together her dress, which she will use for her grand finale in London. The dress sternly gives emphasize to who she is and where she comes from.
“The dress is lively as her soul, from the current range that I have been running; Okavango glam, it speaks and defines her as a Motswana and what we are well known for, our rich tourism sector. It is green for life and gold for wealth. My wish is for her to live and be prosperous,” he said.
WeekendLife
Creatives taking over 2023
Creativity is seen everywhere and these individuals did something recently that’s never been done before, and some are still killing it. We see creativity on streaming platforms, stages, runways, social media and boardrooms even. Some of them are revamping their businesses, and lately, clothing sale is thriving.
They love concept-driven designs, storytelling and they bring fresh ideas and new perspectives that will leave footprints in the sand. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, these creative minds utilized the drawing board and they became cognizant that monetizing content will actually take them far, which is frank nonetheless.
This is commendable though, but the creative industry will still need support from government in order for it to flourish further. Allocation of resources (funds, facilities and empowerment) should be done consistently, creativity must be raised and at the end of the day, the economy benefits from that kind of investment.
HAN C
Ever since he parted ways with his former manager, DJ Bougee Sid, Mahalapye born-pint sized, multi-award-winning artist, Hanceford Magapatona has been taking up space, unapologetically so. Han C has shown a strong will to take over the entire world, and he is in the right direction. He’s solely organizing the annual Mahalapye Spring Festival, which is taking place next weekend.
The Pepetetsa hitmaker raked some monies from his savings to put together this event. Mahalapye Spring Festival will feature Paige, Ubuntu Band, Khoisan, Amantle Brown and Double Up among others. Even though it didn’t come as a surprise, Han C was nominated at African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in the US, under Best Male Southern Africa category.
However, the award was snatched by the late South African rapper, AKA. Its not all lost as Han C secured two nominations at the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs): People’s Choice of the Year and Best Male Single.
KOKETSO MOTSWAGOLE
This entrepreneur has turned his dreams into reality, and his promising apparel business is now a fashion destination. Matter of fact, Motswagole weathered the storms to be where he is now because through criticism and social media bullying, he still leads the pack in fashion.
His social media accounts got deleted but through his online store, KM Sales, Motswagole is able to rake in some profits. He initially started selling from his car but now owns a busy store and has employed a number of young people.
KM Sales has been offering fashionable items (shoes, t-shirts, pants) and has been participating in various lifestyle events such as Garden of Drip where it showcases its products.
If there is one young entrepreneur to draw motivation from is Koketso. The business started from humble beginnings, at the time when he worked part time at Ipelegeng as a casual labor. Indeed, good things come to those who wait, or well, work like a slave today, live like a king tomorrow.
KAGISO LUDO DE KLERK
Vee Mampeezy’s ex-wife Kagiso De Klerk clearly did not sit and weep over their dramatic divorce. The famous social media influencer hurriedly picked up the pieces and went hard on promoting business online. She literally took social media influencing to the head and it is working for her.
This year saw her partnership with Shell reach greater heights, and obviously, she is raking lot of pulas from the deal. Kagiso has been making frequent appearances in top events in South Africa such as Bubbles in Spring and Gold and Diamond Experience.
GAONA DINTWE
After a long break from the limelight, renowned media and radio personality, Gaona Dintwe is back. She was missed by many on TV, and she’s back where she belongs, news anchoring on BTV. Gaona has also found a niche in podcasting. She is a host of her own podcast, Gaona Live Conversation, where various people share their stories on camera.
Some of what they discuss is Gender Based Violence (GBV), polygamy and drug addiction. This is highly commendable because even BTV doesn’t have programs that discuss these crucial social issues. The Lentswelemoruti native is also seen in various corporate events where she is engaged as a host.
WeekendLife
DITIRO LEERO ONE MAN SHOW ON THE PIPELINE
Now that one-man shows are made fashionable, traditional dance guru and ex-convict, Ditiro Leero is joining the crusade and he will be hosting his also. The show will be held next month at Zone 4 Farm in Selokolela, but the there are traditional dance music artists who have been lined up to perform at the show. Matshana, Morwa Leka and Maswailathota will be doing their thing and probably bring some heat too. Ditiro Leero will be making history as the first traditional artist to host a one-man show in Botswana.
WeekendLife
MISS BOTSWANA HAVING MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE
With only two months before Miss World 2023, the reigning Miss Botswana, Lesego Chombo is having many irons in the fire, preparing for the much-anticipated beauty pageant. Miss World 2023 will be the 71st edition of Miss World pageant and it will be held in India. Chombo has been spotted toning her body at Jack’s gym, a requirement that is taken seriously at the pageant. She has also been participating in charity events, something that should add to her profile at the Miss World.