19 Oct 2017

At least 12 seasoned fashion designers from the Botswana industry are set to showcase their collections alongside 12 other budding local fashion entrepreneurs at Masa Square Hotel Fashion Show (MSHFS) October 20.

Having been held for four consecutive years to great acclaim and with an increasingly strong attendance, this year’s fashion show is a major step towards encouraging the discovery and growth of Botswana’s creative talent.
Speaking in an interview, Masa Square Hotel sales and marketing manager, Neo Nkele said the 12 budding designers were being mentored by 12 other more seasoned designers from the local industry.
“The 2017 fashion extravaganza will see it curated under the theme: Working Together to Build Botswana’s Creative Industry,” said Nkele.

She said Masa Square Hotel promises a one of a kind experience and has upped the ante this year with a number of collaborations with industry heavy weights such as renowned show producer, Jan Malan of Umzingeli Productions, Madison Shoe Stores, Audi, and premier distributor company, Benju to name but a few.
“Fashion enthusiasts, avid fans and premier business professionals alike can look forward to a stellar display of Botswana’s very own creatives, of a world-class appeal,” she said.

“With a show production career dating back to 1985, Jan’s momentous work, energy and positivity towards the industry has led him to stage high profile productions in 20 countries spread over four continents,” she continued.
She said his charisma, professionalism and experience in the fashion and entertainment industries made him the perfect partner for them to choose to lead the production of the Masa Fashion Show, which had evidently gained a prominent place in the Botswana entertainment calendar.
Tickets for entry to the Masa Fashion Show 2017 are on sale for P400 for show entry and P1 500 for VIP hospitality.

“Tickets are available at Masa Square Hotel. Corporate packages are also available.
To stay updated on the progress of the Masa Square Fashion Show 2017 campaign, follow Masa Square Hotel on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @MasaSquareHotel,” she said.

The 12 mentees are Boikanyo Molale, Thabiso Makwate, Katlego Moatshe, Pamela Ntshwarang, Lerang Keabile, Gomotsegang Dipuo, Tshepiso Abdulla, Ratanang Morontshe, Seatla Khutlo, Katlego Sengate, Temo Mpudi and Mpho Chepete.
Having launched the Masa Fashion Show campaign under the theme: Working Together to Build Botswana’s Creative Industry’ in March, Nkele said the mentees have been hard at work designing their exclusive collections for the Masa Fashion Show and these collections would be debuted on the runway at this year’s event.
She noted that as part of their fashion show campaign, they have also hosted a series of business seminars, namely the Masa Square Hotel Fashion Mentorship Talk Shop Series.

“Via these talk shops we have invited renowned local and international business leaders and entrepreneurs from different industries.
We have included captains in the finance, telecommunications and entertainment industries in order for them to discuss their experiences and success stories in their respective fields,” she said.

She said Jan was responsible for leading the entire fashion show.
“He is the go-to guy for every detail vetted for this upcoming show and we knew that we would be in the best of hands under this partnership,” she said. ENDS