Two days of lights, colour, glitz and glamour marked Ditshupo Hall as a bevy of fashionistas and divas from across the world witnessed the first ever Gaborone Fashion Weekend, appropriately themed “Under Construction.”
Co-organiser, Shike Olsen, stated that it was important to make people aware of the fact that the creative industry is also significant. “It is no longer just a passion but can also be an awarding experience,” he said.
Olsen indicated that when the world’s eyes are focused on Botswana, there should always be something happening and a fashion weekend is the perfect place to make Botswana look good.
The two-day event was a star-studded occasion which managed to attract former Face of Africa winner, Kaone Kario, and international model and singer, Quincy “Chanel King” Combs, the son of entertainment mogul, Sean-Puffy Combs. ┬áAlso present were international fashion publishers and writers from the United States of America and the United Kingdom, as so was former Miss World 2nd Princess, Emma Warreus, who was in fact the face of Gaborone Fashion Weekend.
On the opening night, local designers had their models parading on the runway  with the glamorous former Big Brother Africa Contestant Eve Maygilip donning a sexy black little number as the host for that evening. Colour and funky cuts were the order of the day as designers showcased their summer 2013 collection.
The crowd went into a frenzy as Combs walked the runway in the Fatima Mekgwe’s men’s line. There was a vast array of funky outfits ranging from outright couture material to casual everyday items.
The second night of the fashion weekend attracted more attendees and it was on this night that Botswana’s very own international designer, Koketso Chiepe, showcased her line.
Chiepe, who is also a co-organiser, was happy with the turn out and expressed positivity that there will be a bigger and better show next year. Chiepe also stated that it was much easier to work with emerging designers who were more receptive and willing to learn.
