17 Apr 2017

The second annual Mascom Derby Fashion show which was hosted under the Afro Bohemian theme saw six designers showcasing their attires at Riley’s Hotel in Maun.

The show hosted on the eve of the Mascom Horse Derby aims to support fashion designers and the fashion industry.

Some models and designers were from Maun while some came from other parts of Botswana.

Mascom communications and public relations manager, Barbara Gotlop said the Mascom Derby Fashion show was part of the companies’ corporate social responsibility.

In an interview, an upcoming designer, 21-year-old Gomotsegang Dipuo of DMT Designs brand appreciated the opportunity granted by the Mascom Derby Fashion show to showcase her designs to a wider audience.

The excited Dipuo said her first professional designs were released in 2016, and that the Mascom Derby Fashion show was her second platform to showcase, which was made possible by Fashion Without Borders.

The Maun born women, who is also a Limkokwing fashion design student, said it was her desire to be recognised and showcase her work at such platforms.

She said her designs were inspired by floral and nature and that they embodied many colours. Dipuo noted that the fashion industry was showing growth compared to the past years.

“The public is now fashion conscious and embrace designer clothes, people not only design for occasions and some are fashion bloggers,” she said.

She said for one to succeed in the fashion industry, they must learn and invest on their talent to grow their brands instead of rushing into designing prematurely.

Dipuo said she always had passion in design from a tender age, which was developed through entering waste fashion shows in Maun through her products made from waste.

Other designers were Maungo Ditshwane, Tebogo Nhlatho of Open Button, Lame Chilume and others.

The night saw performances by Juju Boy who kept the audience entertained.  BOPA