GOSEGO MOTSUMI
Miss Botswana is a step closer to unearthing and crowning the new reigning queen after announcement of the Top 16 finalists vying for the coveted crown at a well organised and glamorous Miss Botswana Fashion Show in Gaborone over the weekend.
This followed weeks of intense workshops on public speaking, character building, monetising personal brands as well winning and staying on top of the game for the bevy of beauties.
“It was not easy coming up with those 16 names,” said chief judge Thebe Mogapi at the show. “It was a struggle because the 30 ladies were on top of their game. However, it’s been a journey with them, I personally interacted and interviewed the young ladies and am pretty confident that from the top 16 someone is going to bring back the Miss World crown because this is what it is all about.”
Apart from unearthing the country’s next jewel, local fashion took centre stage during the night, with viewers gushing over the creative designs displayed by the contestants on the runway. Running under the theme “Avant-Garde,” six local designers showcased their innovation and passion to drive Botswana forward through their sartorial flair, even amid a pandemic.
First to take to the stage was Mumsy Oremeng of Versatile Creations. Her goal is to create clothing that communicates and her designs celebrated the spirit of African opulence, ethnicity and patriotism. Gomotsegang Dipuo of Ser Consolado showcased a collection titled “All Over The Place,” which is a compilation of avant-garde ideas that crossed the designer’s mind from Beyonce-inspired body suit to the little black dress with a dash of colour to honour the spring-summer season.
With her fashion experience of two decades, Grace Sekotlo of 9six Clothing prides herself in providing high quality and international standard designs. Le Queer De Pamela has showcased at various fashion shows such as Heart of the City Carnival, World Intellectual Property Day Exhibitor. She has been an assistant fashion producer and an assistant coordinator at the Fashion X fashion show and the President’s Day respectively.
Tlamo Mosinyi of Bondphill brought his show-stopping designs after showcasing the hugely popular “KHOIUrbanite” Sands Collection at Masa Fashion Show recently. His mission is to shift fashion from a traditionally conservative culture to a bold and daring nature. Mosinyi’s brand believes in empowering both men and women into positivity, progression and an uncompromising style.
Closing off the fashion show were Butterfly Couture designs that specialize in custom-made women’s clothing, bridal wear and bespoke wedding gowns. The brand has showcased at The Grand Palm 2018 Wedding Expo and Masa Fashion Show in 2019.
Judges for Miss Botswana have revealed that Batswana can look forward to a very exciting finale slated for 29 October where they will have to endure the extremely difficult task of choosing Miss Botswana 2021. The new Miss Botswana will represent the country at the 70th edition of Miss World in Puerto Rico in December. Alongside the crown will comes a new Mercedes Benz C200, courtesy of Magari Land.
Miss Botswana Top 16 finalists
Bogolo Pillar
Palesa Motsepe
Dabilo Moses
Michelle Bagoleng
Tshepo Nthaga
Matshelo Rankowa
Marang Makhoana
Palesa Molefe
Oratile Baleti
Lindie Motswaeng
Britney Maje
Teto Sefanyetso
Kaone Kgasa
Babedi Isaka
Nathi Jersey
Thanolo Keutlwile