Botswana Confederation of Commerce Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM) will give local fashion designers a platform to showcase their designs at this Saturday's fashion show and gala dinner in Francistown.
The event will also act as a curtain-raiser for this year's Northern Trade Fair. BOCCIM regional manager (north) Eileen Van Der Est said in an interview yesterday that the function is an important event in their trade fair preparations.
"It acts as a precursor to the trade fair and there will be seven local fashion designers who will be showcasing their designs. It is no doubt a prestigious event in that while there is the glamour of the fashion styles, there is also an elaborate spread of Tswana and Western cuisine. The environment created at this function allows guests to leisurely discuss business issues against the trade fair."
One of the fashion designers who will be showcasing their designs is debutant Mosimanegape Tshiamo. The 27-year-old is based in Francistown and his company is called Mos-gape Fashion and Design.
He conceded that he was not an avid fashion enthusiast when growing up. "After not doing well at school my aunt advised me to go study for a fashion course in Zimbabwe and I have fallen in love with fashion designing since then."
Tshiamo completed his fashion and designing course at the Methodist College in Bulawayo in 2001, after which he worked with various fashion designers and houses in Gaborone, like Lorraine and Adam and Eve. In 2004, he relocated to Francistown with the aim of getting a government youth grant, which he eventually acquired last year.
" The youth grant helped a lot because I managed to buy industrial machines and good quality materials. I enjoy fashion because I live it everyday and maybe if I grew up in the city I could have identified it much earlier. I simply love this profession," he added.
He said he designs mostly for weddings and individuals who phone and come to his place of work. " I prefer men's wear especially denims, which I play with to give different looks and as my own signature."
About the BOOCIM fashion show, Tshiamo said even though it would be his debut he is not nervous about the show and fashion enthusiasts should expect beautiful designs. " I find it a challenge and I am ready for it. I will showcase both male and female designs. This show is a platform for us to sell ourselves to the public and it will make us grow."
He stated that he had plans to organise a fashion show of his own but postponed it when the opportunity for the BOCCIM show was presented to him. He believes the fashion industry in Botswana is growing and as long as one produces quality products one can survive the competition.
Other local fashion designers, at the BOCCIM show include Chawa Mankunzini of Chawa Creations, Lucia Tshwanetse of Fashion Tips Designs and Twincy Tabushwa, whom are previous participants and winners of the show respectively.
Copyright © 2007 Mmegi/The Reporter. All rights reserved.
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