Designers Showing At The Forbes AFI Fashion Experience in Botswana
Johannesburg, South Africa (April 19, 2022)
The showcase will introduce two Botswana based brands to the AFI platform, Dihdah and internationally acclaimed iZaura. Kenyan-based Ohana Swimwear is expected to bring summer nostalgia to the autumn outdoor runway. Alongside are three South African based labels: the timeless MyOpenClozet; AFI Fastrack 2021 runner-up Keneoue Mhletswa, who showcases in her biggest show yet with her brand Kworks; as well as the futuristic showstopper ImprintZA.
African Fashion International (AFI) is spotlighting six designers at the upcoming Forbes AFI Fashion Experience. Hosted against the wild-life and natural symbolism backdrop, the AFI Forbes Fashion Experience will take place in Kasane, the Chobe District of Botswana on Wednesday, 27 April.
Over two days, the small Botswana town of Kasane will become a hub for pan-African luxury fashion, with a conservative estimate suggesting an economic injection of almost half a million rands into the small town brought by AFI.
More than a fashion showcase, the Forbes AFI Fashion Experience aims to leave a lasting effect by creating avenues for skills transfers that will elevate the creative community of Botswana.
Young, emerging models will walk alongside established Botswana models, including iconic Botswana born Kaone Kario who won Face of Africa in 2005 before embarking on runways in London and New York; as well as Emma Wareus, who was runner-up to Miss World in 2010; and Miss Botswana 2021 Palesa Molefe. Guided by the mentorship of Africa’s leading show producer Jan Malan, the backstage production will be delivered by a youthful production crew, with emerging models also invited to attend a workshop to refine their runway walking techniques, prepare their portfolios and build their online presence for greater exposure.
In addition to this, the talents of youthful hair and beauty artists will be nurtured by professional make-up artists and the entertainment line-up centres on the sounds of Kasane-based musicians.
“Over the years, AFI has developed a powerful platform that has elevated pan-African designers towards international recognition,” says founder and chief executive of AFI, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe. “With the Forbes Under 30 Summit, the aim is to extend the power of the platform to emerging young talent in Botswana, offering them space to learn, grow and build their portfolios of experience for their next big opportunity.”
From 26 – 27 April, AFI’s showroom in Kasane will present the newest offerings from a range of AFI affiliated designers, made available for delegates and the public to touch, feel and purchase. Livestreamed, for virtual guests to experience the marvel of Kasane, collections will also be available for purchase online.
Where the Big Five roam free, AFI aims to emphasise the possibility of balance between nature and creative expression, to promote a message of sustainable harmony.