Limkokwing’s final year fashion students bagged the top three prizes in Fashion Design Category of the prestigious President’s Day Competition held at Boipuso Hall on July 13th.
The President’s Day Competition is an annual visual and performing arts event organised by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture to showcase Batswana youths’ talent in creative arts and performances.
Many young and vibrant Batswana fashion designers with creative themes and styles graced the competition and showcased their unique collections. The overall winner, Thato Mminatau, a Limkokwing student from the Faculty of Fashion Design and Innovation impressed the judges with her ‘Phika Phoka’ collection inspired by the nature’s earth-toned colours and incorporated it with decorative feathers and tribal designs.
“My victory stands testament to the unwavering efforts of Limkokwing University to equip its students with the knowledge and skills required to achieve success in their careers”, said Mminatau.
Mminatau also highlighted that she had always been intrigued by fashion and studying it at Limkokwing University, ignited her passion for it. She actively participated in fashion events since 2009 and was funded by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture to begin her own fashion label, Glitz Fashion Designs.
Second place winner, Lorato Barwabatsile’s love for her country was reflected in her fashion collection which was inspired by the beauty of Botswana. She aims to promote tourism of Botswana through her contributions in the fashion industry. She strongly believes that in fashion there should be no limit.
“Fashion industry has endless possibilities to explore. My Lecturer Ms. Botho Chalegwa always encouraged me to follow my dreams and never give up,” she added.
Oganne Baitsile was proud to win as it was his first time participating in a fashion design competition. He was greatly inspired by Batswana’s culture and fashion trends. His fashion collection featured stylish and trendy designs which won him his third place.
“I believe in working hard enough to be successful and this competition was a platform for me to promote my company called the ‘Apara Clothing’ while I wait to graduate in September this year,” said Baitsile.
Limkokwing University’s Regional Director Corporate and Media Relations, Mercy Thebe believes that the University ecosystem is built in such a way that it stimulates creativity.
“It is our global vision to mould our students to be active in national, regional and global events where their opinions are heard and their creativity is celebrated, we are grateful to the president of Botswana for affording the youth of this country such platforms to showcase their talents” she added.