The picturesque town of Kasane, nestled at the crossroads of Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia, played host to the spectacular second edition of the Batho Fashion Week from 10 to 13 August.
This year’s event was a celebration of fashion, culture and collaboration, drawing fashion aficionados, industry experts and creative minds from around the world.
Amid the vibrant wildlife and awe-inspiring landscape, the fashion extravaganza showcased a unique blend of tradition, innovation and cross-border partnerships that left a lasting impression.
Namibian fashion designer Luis Munana has summed up the sentiment of collaboration, saying: “I was invited to be part of a panel discussion and also just to see how we as Namibia can collaborate with Botswana in terms of fashion.”
A focal point of the fashion week was the insightful panel discussion which Munana participated in. The discussion centred on brand sustainability, a theme resonating deeply with fashion’s role in shaping a more environmentally conscious industry.
Munana described the experience as “a very interesting trip”, underscoring the value of engaging in meaningful dialogues which pave the way for positive change.
Beyond the runway, the event provided a platform for cross-cultural exchanges.
Munana shared his encounters with prominent figures in the tourism sector, saying: “I got to meet the minister of tourism of Botswana, Philda Kereng, as well as the minister of tourism of Zambia, Rodney Sikumba.”
These interactions underscored the potential for collaboration, not just within the fashion sphere, but also in forging connections that could amplify the tourism sectors of both countries, he says.
“The idea for us is to collaborate so there will be designers, models and other creatives to attend this year’s edition of the MTC Windhoek Fashion Week,” he says.
This vision encapsulates the power of cross-border partnerships to create a stage where creativity, innovation and culture could converge and flourish.
The 2023 Batho Fashion Week showcased a diverse line-up of 16 designers, including 10 locals and six international talents hailing from the United States, Namibia, Mozambique, South Africa and Kenya.
With the spotlight on the spring/summer collection, 30 models showed designs on the runway, capturing the essence of the season’s spirit.
The Batho Fashion Week was started in 2021 and seeks to empower local communities, diversify the economy, and extend support to families affected by human-wildlife conflict.
This mission aligns with the broader theme of collaboration and sustainable growth Munana champions.
– unWrap.online
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