Koketso Chiepe, founder and creative director of luxury brand, Koki Kamala will showcase her latest collection at the Zimbabwe Fashion Week (ZFW) 2025, which started on October 9.

In an interview, Chiepe said her latest collection, Tsodilo- Updated Stories of the Land, was inspired by Botswana’s sacred landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

“This collection is about honouring where I come from, while showing that globally, we are united through craft and creativity. It is both a celebration of our heritage and a reminder that our stories belong on the world stage,” said Chiepe.

Her participation at the Zimbabwe Fashion Week, she said was a growing partnership between the Fashion Association of Botswana and ZFW organisers by strengthening Botswana’s influence in the regional creative economy.

Shedding more light about her work, she said she drew inspiration from the ancient rock art of Tsodilo Hills and the flowing waters of the Okavango Delta.

Also, she said the Tsodilo collection transformed cultural motifs into sculptural jewelry, fluid earrings, and finely crafted leather pieces.

Each design, she said reflected the spirit of the land and the enduring artistry of African craftsmanship.

Her brand, which has dressed Hollywood stars such as Taraji P. Henson and Yaya DaCosta, is renowned for merging heritage storytelling with sustainable craftsmanship.

ZFW programmes manager, Sidnorah Hall said the inclusion of Botswana’s designers reflected the power of Pan-African collaboration.

“We are building bridges, not just runways,” she said.

Also, she said the participation of Botswana’s designers, models and creatives proved that they believed in collaboration over competition.

She said fashion was a collective story, and this year, they were telling it together.

Alongside, Koki Kamala, fellow Batswana designers, Thabiso Mookodi, Lorato Phiri and Naledi Setlhare will also showcase under the theme: New African Vanguard, a celebration of bold storytelling, sustainability and innovation.

Botswana’s presence will further extend to the runway through independent Batswana models, known for their elegance and professionalism.

Key to fostering this partnership has been creative producer, Tumelo Nkwe, who previously worked with ZFW in 2015 and 2024.

His continued efforts have helped ensure that Batswana designers were not only represented but also empowered to thrive on the Pan-African stage. ENDS