Often reduced to just ‘transient pieces of fabric,’ the global fashion industry is a trillion dollar business, accounting for 1.6% of the world’s GDP. In many parts of the world, threads and needles, which are at the core of the fashion business, are stitching successful textile sectors which are fueling economic growth, boosting exports and creating meaningful impact through job creation.
Italy, France, Spain and the United States have some of the most successful fashion industries, with a total estimated GDP of $34.26 trillion. From high-end luxury markets to fast-fashion powerhouses, the sector is not only shaping global culture but driving economies in many countries across the world, even in lesser-populated countries.
Take Mauritius for example, with a population of just below 1.5 million, the small island nation is punching above its weight, generating around $600 million annually from garment exports. Namibia as well, with a population of $2.6 million, is steadily growing its fashion scene and raking in $5 million in domestic sales.
Meanwhile, Botswana imports over 80 percent of its textiles and clothing, showing a clear opportunity for the country to step up, tap into its potential and carve its own path in the global fashion landscape.
Recognising the need for our local designers to seamlessly stitch their creative talents with business acumen, Creations Botswana has curated a Fashion in Business Masterclass, in collaboration with Alliance Francaise and the National Arts Council of Botswana (NACB) to elevate both emerging and established designers, by blending artistry with strategic business insights to empower local talent to turn their visions into global, profitable ventures.
The programme offers an opportunity to learn from renowned international fashion entrepreneurs Tamburai Chirume and Amah Aviyi.
Chirume is a serial entrepreneur who co-founded ONEOFEACH, a sustainable luxury brand based in Cape Town, specialising in African-inspired handbags, accessories, apparel, and home decor. With recognition in esteemed institutions like the British Museum and the George Washington University Textile Museum, she is an award-winning exporter, earning South Africa’s Exporter of the Year to the USA under AGOA in both 2021 and 2022.
Amah Aviyi is the creative force behind Marche Noir, a fashion empire that creates high-quality tailored garments from clothing originally destined for charity shops and second-hand markets. His brand today boasts a 600-square-meter showroom in the heart of Paris, as well as dozens of collaborators and employees, and international acclaim.
During the masterclass launch, the duo shared valuable insights on building a cutting-edge fashion business with a distinctive brand identity, staying ahead of evolving market trends, transforming local brands into global powerhouses, and leveraging digital platforms to expand reach.
Additionally, as leaders of sustainable businesses, they spoke to the intricacies of building a sustainable brand that is focused on ethical sourcing, eco-friendly production and long term impact.
They also highlighted the significant challenges they encountered in their journeys. From the most common financial hurdles, to market saturation and in their experience, unraveling the mysteries behind sustainable production. Despite the strenuous journey, if it meant unlocking the treasure trove of wisdom, they say they would not hesitate to dive back into the choppy waters once more.
As the masterclass progresses, the designers will get an opportunity to learn from more industry experts such as Bonolo Moleme, Pierre Elgorriaga, Lukhanyo Mdingi and Nelly Wandji on how to expand their growth on an international scale.
As a boost, they will also receive funding to help them navigate some of the bumps in their entrepreneurial journey. Emerging designers will each receive P15,000 while established designers will receive P50,000. In addition to financial support, the programme includes two learning expeditions. Both cohorts will travel to South Africa, while the established designers will embark on a journey to France to learn from some of the best couturiers in the world.
The masterclass is guaranteed to open doors to a whole new world of opportunities for those designers who are eager to learn. With trailblazing brands like Glotto, King Vanderbilt, Motswafere and PrettyBird Boutique, there is a renewed sense of hope for a vibrant and successful future where local talent makes a lasting impact on the global fashion scene.
