From redefining the gentlemen’s fashion statement to crafting and imaging ladies’ corporate wear, Keno Suits has been taking over Fashion Street over years and has now become a household name across Botswana. Today, every lady and gentleman wants to be associated with the luxurious brand because of the masterpieces they craft.
This week, Executive Life had an exclusive interview with the brain behind Keno Suits, Thato Donald, about what their brand stands for and where Keno Suits is going. “Our brand looks to offer our clientele a personalised service,” he started. “It’s about ensuring that clients enjoy the product and our style represents elegance, class and the sophisticated look.
“Since we were in the entertainment industry, it was always a challenge to get a tailor to make our desired quality and within a reasonable time. It presented a niche to us to capitalise on by establishing a company that does not only honour the client’s wishes but makes them feel assured that it will be ready on time.”
Keno Suits has been growing in leaps and bounds and leaving no stone unturned within lifestyle circles. It has become inclusive of all individuals and while incorporating certain characters to their brands. “We have seen our brand expanding to accommodate ladies, kids and corporate,” Donald explains. “We birthed other brands within the lifestyle business, namely KeNo Scents, KeNo Premium Water, KeNo Sports and KeNo Gifts and Corporates.”
Today Keno Suits is no stranger to things big because they have partnered with a few local brands. They have marked their space and are doing well in terms of capitalising and taking over. “We have worked and still continue to have a working relationship with socialites like Resego Motlhokathari, Khumo ‘Ms Geekays’ Kgwaadira, and William Last KRM, to name a few,” says Donald. “We have also worked with numerous government departments and parastatals. In the fashion and entertainment space, we have worked with Mrs Botswana and Date my Family Botswana.”
It is not long ago when Keno Suits posed a challenge on social media for the Keno Woman. They were looking for the face of Keno Women, these being the most beautiful and striking women of high profile. The response was nothing short of a scramble of beauties.
Donald says everything Keno Woman has been the “it” thing lately. Not only do men brag when draped in a Keno but women have come to the party as well. One commendable aspect about Keno Women is that they are inclusive of all body shapes and types. “Our designs for ladies represent the modern-day woman who can keep up with the gentlemen in the boardroom and then go on a ladies’ night date in the same outfit. The idea is to celebrate women’s success in their femininity and diversity.”
Ever wondered if Keno is only for the elite? It turns out they are for everyone; everyone looking for style and class. “Our target market comprises your student, your new graduate, a newbie in the corporate world looking to make a first impression, a wedding entourage, your CEO and putting that exceptional person in the highest office in the land,” Donald won’t stop because he is on a roll. “We are basically for anyone who can wear a suit.”
Asked about their long term vision for the brand, he responded: “Our long term vision has always been to be a household name. We aim to be the best suit makers in the country and end up competing with internationally acknowledged fashion brands. Our main focus, when starting, was to build a strong brand and I can confidently say that we are well on our way to achieving it.”
The magic has could be on their fingers because KeNo Custom Suits are tailor made. They measure their clients, choose a fabric with them, design with them and then make the complete outfit specifically for the person. That is Keno’s biggest flex.
