16 Oct 2025

While the delicious and mushy banana has many gastronomical uses, Legakwa Veils is redefining how to use the fruit, but not the mushy part, to make a fashion statement.

Known for their exquisite handcrafted and customised bridal and occasion pieces such as veils and bouquets, the fashion brand also offers sun-ready creations ranging from wide-brimmed hats and portable hand fans to fashionable fascinators made from materials that are anything but ordinary.

While the brim of their hats is made from recycled potato sacks, the innovative designers at Legakwa Veils weave their exquisite fascinators using banana leaf fibres, otherwise known as banana silk.

The fibres are extracted from the outer sheath formed by the leaves that grow around the trunk of the banana plant. The centuries-old practice, with evidence dating back to the 13^th century, has recently caught the eye of Western fashion, and now, Legakwa Veils.

As if that were not peculiar enough, the fascinators are further adorned with ostrich eggshells, a daring seal to their fashion statement. To the touch, the texture of the fascinator is surprisingly tough, giving off a sense of great durability.

“The banana leaf fibre is not only eco-friendly but also very durable,” said Tshireletso Sekaiwa, millinery assistant at Legakwa Veils, who described the process of extracting the fibres as arduous but worthwhile.

“Not only are the fibres strong, but they are also lightweight, making them perfect for fashion,” she added.

Beyond celebrating sustainable practices, Legakwa Veils also infuses elements of Botswana’s culture into their creations, incorporating traditional prints into hats and hand fans.

“We make feel-good fashion. We customise our creations according to what the client wants, we make bold fashion statements,” Sekaiwa said. ENDS