Fashion designers knocked down by COVID-19
WeekendLife
As the world mourns over the gravity of thousands of lives lost due to the novel coronavirus pandemic and the millions of lives around the globe it has affected, local fashion designers have not been spared. WeekendLife caught up with a few fashion designers who said the novel coronavirus has severely disrupted their profit making season. There is no doubt that the fashion industry forms a huge part of the creative sector, which currently employed a lot of creatives. Today, the industry like many others is bleeding due to the pandemic, leaving many designers without income streams.
In an interview, Founder of Fierce Designs, Lucrecia Kgowane, who has showcased at Miss Botswana fashion show 2019 and FNB fashion show 2019, and also sponsor of The annual Beauty with albinism Botswana explained that this has been the toughest season for fashion designers.
As designers we were badly affected in the beginning because usually fashion designers in the country work looking at the calendar of events and weddings, mostly because our clientele do not buy clothes for casual wear but for events and weddings. More especially weddings because February, March, April, May is wedding season and it is also our peak season, she said.
So when the wedding season took over, weddings were cancelled. I had clients who cancelled their weddings, bridal showers and their dresses. National events were cancelled as well, events like Durban July, every event that people dress up to were cancelled. We ran out of business and closed our offices. Then from lockdown we were working from home.
Amid all these, she explained that Debswana employed them to make masks for staff in bulk. Before the masks, it was very bad because there was no income at all. Nobody was calling in for any dresses because they had nowhere to go. We were then contacted by Debswana to make face masks. So we are currently in contact with Debswana and making masks,” she said.
Besides that we are making individual masks that are a bit outstanding and stylish compared to what we usually get from the shops. We tried doing designer masks for our clients to stand out. Right now every tailor designer is making face masks. We are trying as much as possible to do different types of masks to try and beat the market. This is how we recovered. It is not as good as it should be but it is not bad.”
She further explained that LEA in connection with Debswana helped with the contract for face masks, a project for LEA clients for Debswana. Currently, like many other fabric shops they are totally reliant on face masks for profit. She said they were bound to launch their new winter collection but until they can access fabric shops their hands are tied.
Also, the masks that we make are unique and very stylish making wearing them fun and less stressful, we have turned them into accessories that one can match with any outfit and personally I see face masks existing even after coronavirus pandemic. They make a very strong fashion statement, she concluded.
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.