Maseru- The Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture and in collaboration with the local fashion designers, hosted one of the largest fashion shows on Thursday at the Manthabiseng Convention Centre.
The event brought together key players in the fashion industry making it a major highlight for the local fashion scene.
The fashion show was in commemoration of the two-hundred years, the show celebrated Basotho’s traditional attire, creatively blending it with modern elements and glamour, additionally the runway featured a diverse range of cultural attire, including seshoeshoe designs, formal wear, evening gowns, suits as well as streetwear.
In his remarks, Hon. Motlatsi Maqelepo , Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture emphasised the need to use fashion and arts as atool to create platforms for Lesotho’s Artist, he said it’s very important to showcase their talent as the expose the hidden beauty of the Kingdom and its culture to the world.
He commended those already in the fashion industry to keep going, also urging the younger generation to embrace arts , noting that it fosters patriotism and contributes to the country’s economy.
“The fashion industry should continue to grow as the ministry also have plans for next year show and other upcoming years,” he stressed
He promised to develop a private sector for the industry which he said will attract more tourists to boost the economy, this would benefit both the designers and models.
“I believe fashion can generate jobs and income with clothing being a high-demand product,” he noted.
Maqelepo pointed out that in other countries, the creative industry is the key driver of economic growth, however in Lesotho it is rapidly emerging and generates little to no income.
He therefore called for collaborative efforts to help the industry grow,further indicating that Lesotho has a great creative potential but it is neglected.
In an exclusive Interview with a Designer, Makeitumetse Ramphalla said she started her own brand “Elegance” through self teaching, driven by the love of clothes in 2020. She stressed that it was a learning process with so many challenges that she experienced losses, creating items that did not sell, adding that overtime the business became stable and continued to expand.
“A designer must be adaptable and innovative staying attuned to changing trends each year, weather fashion demands more revealing styles or more conservative we design what people want, gto keep up with sales,” she added.
The designs honour the cultural heritage of Basotho while also incorporating contemporary trends that made the pieces look fresh and stylish.
She urged Basotho to understand the value of their designs, support them instead of buying from foreigners. “ We wouldn’t need anything from the government if Basotho were supporting our designs,” she stressed.
Although many designers struggle financially, the show was open to everyone, giving us equal opportunity to participate, and the show should continue to provide exposure for those with financial constraints.
Speaking with a model, a 23 years old Reitumetse Makhanya from Mafeteng said she finds modelling as a source of empowerment and a way to relieve stress, also encouraging others to be fearless and pursue their passion.
She said modelling is not just a profession but a path to self-confidence and expression adding that she is always inspired to advocate for women to feel comfortable with their bodies, own skin and embrace their uniqueness.
The designers at the fashion show were:
Emtee Garments – founded in 2023 , the brand creates clothing for young and middle aged groups. Africa Rose- A social entrepreneurial brand focussed on educating and preserving heritage for current and upcoming generations, they have been dressing Her Majesty, the Queen Masenate for over ten years.
Avant Cee Lee – specialises in creating bespoke and mass-produced garments as well as home accessories , they cater for men and women aged 16-45. The brand also collaborated with Mzuru Fashion Week in Malawi, Lesotho Fashion Week and the TGee Modeling Agency.
Elegance Couture – founded in 2020, celebrates both men and women through production of premium clothing and they have participated in Unscripted Fashion Experience and the Annual Bagnity. Mokhabebe Production- founded in 2013 cater for age groups, collaborated with the US embassy ,Gem Institute, EU Lesotho etc….
Avidia Designs – founded in 2023, Avidia is the blend name of “Avid” which means kee, they create designs that are visually striking but also carry a strong narrative of sustainability and innovation. Among these designers were the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology Fashion Alumni and other designers namely; Tailored by Daniel, China’s Designs, Marori Designs and Royal Flame Apparels.
