Glotto to showcase at New York Fashion Week
WeekendLife
The country’s Afrocentric and most popular youth fashion brand, Glotto, continues to dominate the fashion industry and shape fashion trends. It is reaching heights and staying relevant in a fast-paced and ever-changing landscape. Without doubt, the youthful fashion brand has revolutionized the fashion and lifestyle industry in Botswana.
Not only that, its iconic logo and tagline have become synonymous with style and sophistication, and Glotto’s influence extends far beyond the world of fashion. Haute couture, elegant designs and ready to wear is what Glotto has to offer.
New York Fashion Week (NYFW), a semi-annual series of events in Manhattan typically spanning seven to nine days when international fashion collections are shown to buyers, the press and fashion enthusiasts is coming up, and Glotto has been invited to showcase at the same top fashion event.
This is one of four major fashion weeks in the world, collectively known as the “Big Four”, along with those in Paris, London and Milan. This year’s NYFW schedule includes a range of runway shows and presentations for both men’s and women’s clothing lines.
Designers such as Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, The Blonds, Proenza Schouler and Carolina Herrera will be showcasing their upcoming collections in a variety of different formats ranging from traditional runway shows to virtual showrooms and digital activations.
NYFW organizers say every great designer began as an “unknown”, so in addition to some of fashion’s most storied names, their schedule includes independent and emerging designers, many making their appearance on the runway for the first time.
“This is where NYFW becomes a true journey of discovery, the perfect opportunity to discover emerging designers who are pushing the boundaries of fashion and style. Some are new, and others are successful designers in their home country making an appearance at NYFW for the first time.”
Talking about making an appearance at the NYFW, WeekendLife had a conversation with the creative behind Glotto, Mboko Basiami this week, who unpacked how she was invited to showcase in New York and how things are unfolding.
When speaking to this publication, Basiami said a series of invitations were sent via email and social media, inviting her to be a part of the fashion week, something that she wouldn’t trade for anything.
She expanded a bit on collections that she will be showcasing, saying “It’s a seven-look collection and this is our first time participating in the NYFW. Glotto was founded seven years ago and everything is going to come altogether and of course, our attention to detail and texture and a lot of storytelling is what fashion lovers should expect.”
Quizzed if this is a self-sponsored trip to New York, Basiami stressed that in the business of fashion, one can’t expect to have talented runway models, hair, makeup and two assistants sponsored, therefore the trip will be taking money from her pockets. “It is heavily subsidized but there is still a 7000 US Dollar bill to it.”
Networking, global reach and exposure is what is motivating Glotto to go and shine in Manhattan. This is predominantly because New York Fashion Week has been there for so many years, having established itself as the most reputable fashion week in the whole world.
There is the media, right buyers, great location, investors and scholarships. “It will also allow me to compare the quality of my garments with that of designers all over the world. This adds on our unique product offering and what makes Glotto competitive, something that we have been striving for even though we are a local brand.
In preparing for this phenomenal opportunity, a lot needs to be done and thus far, everything is on track. According to Basiami, “I’m trying to balance not worrying about the business and accounts side of things, but rather about the looks and integrity of garments and fashion sustainability. We have reached out corporates who are willing to support us on the journey, the moral support is beautiful and heartwarming.
Meanwhile, Glotto recently showcased at the US-Africa Business Summit in Gaborone. The fashion brand hosted President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who was introduced to ready to wear collections and Glotto live mannequins.
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.