GET TO KNOW -GEEGEE STRAUS

Hey Creatives!

To start of our, Get to know Fashion Creatives in Botswana series, we have our favorite, Gape, mostly referred to as GeeGee Straus.

1. Tell us about yourself?

Although having to have been born “Gape Aubrey Khudu” it was in the late stages of my teen years when I started out in the modelling industry that I decided to go with the name GeeGee Straus as a way of separating my personal and professional lives.

2. Congratulation on having your first Model Master Class. Tell us about why a model master class and did it meet your expectations?

 I’ve worked with Empire Model Management for two consecutive years for their model scouting seasons and I couldn’t help but notice how little knowledge and skill needed by models was brought forth by the aspiring models so I started these classes as a way of bridging that gap. I want aspiring models to show up at auditions well equipped because it’s a hard cold world out there and the industry needs well equipped individuals both knowledge and skill wise. Because this was my first modelling class ever, I was happy with the response and attendance although I had a bit of a problem because all the attendants were females, therefore, it was a bit disappointing that no aspiring male models came through. But despite that I was truly happy about how the class unfolded.

3. Moreover tell us your future plans with the model master class and other future plans you have for the  fashion industry?

I'm really not one to share my future plans but I can promise that there's only one way and it is going up. All i can tell you is that i'm coming for everything, and yes i'll still be offering classes on a regular basis from here on.

4. Tell us about #Boysinskirts  what future plans do you have with this powerful movement?

 #BoysInSkirts has been on a pause for some time now, there's something that I'm working in that required to be set up only for a specific time, i'm only hoping that when it's ready to be revealed, people will be able to relate and understand the art behind it all.

5. Do you think the lack of collaborative efforts between people in the fashion industry is what is stifling its potential? Moreover what challenges can you identify that are preventing the fashion industry in Botswana to flourish?

Yes it really does, I'm one person who is very much into collaborating, it's one way that we can help each other grow as individual brands and the industry as a collective but because we all want to shine and be at the top, it becomes difficult for people to collaborate because people don't want to share the "spotlight" and its sad because its seemingly slowing down the industry.

6. Not to only focus on problems, what can you identify are  strong points that could change the state of Botswana’s Fashion industry? 

I think what we need is recognition of real fashion heads, people who can really take the fashion industry forth and not people who take fashion as any other hobby. If this can happen then we'll be on the right track to a great strong industry.

7. The Fashion industry in Botswana is still seen as a hobby in Botswana and not a business venture moreover not a sector that could contribute to the economy of Botswana, what reason could this be, and secondly how can we move from this outlook to the fashion industry in Botswana being taken commercially serious.

 It's simple really, we need stake holders to invest in our designers, I believe we have brilliant designers in the country, for example, Artcappella, these designers are prominent and their work can compete on an international level. another thing is we need the right help from the ministry to fund fashion shows for designers to showcase their work, what we have now is not enough. another thing is that designers also need think beyond just making clothing for personal clients. They need to also go out there and propose their lines to retail shops so they can ahead in business.

8. Is there any last words you can give to people who will be reading this interview? (This is an open ended question that leaves you to make any opinion on the fashion industry or on you)

I urge creatives to live for their work, hype changes with time, from one person to the next, be your work and let your work be you. Aim to outdo yourself with every project because consistency is important, trust your creative mind and craziness like you've never done before, in this way your work will be nothing but great.

Contact:
geegeestraus@gmail.com
@geegee_straus  on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat

We hope you enjoyed this Get to know GeeGee  interview as much as we did. Comment below on who next would you like to know about!!!

AFROBELLA CELEBRATES JUNE 16 WITH STYLE

Explosions of African themed color and cutting-edge designs were the talk of the night at the celebration of the Day of the African Child, where AfroBella Natural Hair Studio took to The No1 Ladies Coffee House last weekend to give local designers a chance to display their designs.

Speaking to the marketing spokesperson, Monica Dube-Sekhwela, spoke about what June 16 means to AfroBella. 

"The Day of the African Child is a day where youth stood up to speak out on the injustices they suffered concerning poor education,  and other issues that concerned them. Even up today youth are still trying get their voices heard on issues that concern them. So this day is to commemorate those that lost their lives standing up for their rights and making sure their deaths are not in vain." 

On a night dedicated to the African Child, the crowd came dressed in delicate African attire that showed their heritage and place of resonance, as well as designer clothes to contribute to the celebrations. Men were seen dressed in dashiki's, a highly stylized and  rendered garment with an ornate V-shaped collar. Some of the ladies in the crowd came dressed to impressed in their Traditional djellabas, which are made of wool in different shapes and colors. 

AfroBella Brand Ambassador, Fifi Mathambo went on to state that it’s crucial to encourage young talents on their work and guide them where necessary. 

“ It is important to support the designers and models showcasing on this platform, especially on such an important day to us as young people,” Mathambo said.

Local designers were approached by AfroBella in order to collaborate with each other to celebrate the day of the African Child. In doing this, there allowed to be diversity amongst the designs that would be portrayed, as each designer had their own style and their own inspirations. Phenyo Oaitse, Tshepo Manne, Lindiwe Keitshokile, Kaone Moremong and Oteng wamoTaki Lepere were among the list of talents given a great opportunity to show people their designs and embrace the African Child. 

Catching up with one of the prominent young designers Phenyo Oaitse, she set down with The Fashion Meet Up team and talked about some of her designs and the inspiration behind it. 

1.What inspired some of the designs that were displayed?

The name of my collection is 'AfriTorial' which is a combination of African editorial. I used a whole lot of African colors in a modern western way. With most of my designs, I'm inspired by elegance and boldness and designers such as Balmain and David Tlale. 

2.  Can you talk a little about your clothing line and brand?

March Couture is all about boldness, elegance and sophistication. I've been designing ladies wear since early 2015 and in early March, I launched my third collection ' AfriTorial,' as a way of celebrating my twenty-first birthday. 

The young and talented Phenyo Oaitse went on to give us the scoop on her next collection, telling us to be on the look out for something exciting that is coming later this year. 

Another established designer that we set and talked with is Lindiwe Keitshokile with her brand name ' Tswana Hustler.' Lindiwe has showcased some of her designs around the city and has added a lot of growth and exposure to fashion in the country. After the AfroBella fashion show, The Fashion Meet Up team set with Lindiwe and talked all things fashion.

3.What made you decide to showcase some of your designs at the AfroBella Day of the African Child 2017?

I was there to celebrate the African child and fight for their rights. The youth actually have a voice, rights and gifts and talents that need nurturing so basically it is the freedom that the youth have that this day reminds me of.

2. What is the initial message behind your designs?

My designs were inspired by the hopes, dreams, talents and gifts that African youth have which are signified by the break of dawn and the shining sun as well as fire, hence the reds, oranges and tan used in most of my collection from the show. It showed the passion that the youth have for life and our dreams.

3. What do you have to say about your brand Tswana Hustler?

My clothing line, 'Tswana Hustler' and the name comes from seeing the youth of Botswana working hard at being business people/entrepreneur, through the numerous projects that they do. It's a luxury brand for women mostly, especially looking at the long flowy dresses. They are sexy, playful and mostly avant-garde. 

Lindiwe signed off her interview by stating her gratitude towards AfroBella. 

"The AfroBella show was super awesome and I can't wait to see what other shows they have up their sleeve,"

Marketing spokesperson Monica Dube-Sekhwela continued to talk about the prospects about another AfroBella show coming to Botswana. This is what she had to say. " There will be another big event. We are still planning for next year, just watch the space. June 16 next year is a definite one and you can expect to see us again with our hair and fashion show and some workshops that touch on issues that concern youth and Day of the African Child." 

All Pictures courtesy of Model Hub International. 

HER STYLE WEDNESDAYS...#WCW

Hey Fashion Lovers and Fashion Creatives

Today we are beyond excited to celebrate the fabolous Mmina Gaebonwe on our weekly segment 

 HER STYLE WEDNESDAYS. #WCW

Where we share on woman's fashion and Culture and celebrate with you our style crush stylistas of the week.

Mmina Gaebonwe is a professional model and owner of Em Models, which each year holds a Arts and Creative Workshop, this years theme being 'The Creative Economy: Art into Wealth' 

On top of that she is is nominated for the first ever BOTSWANA YOUTH AWARDS, under the categories Best Female Of The Year and Best Fashion Personality 

We Love Mmina's style because she is un-apologetically herself and a Boss. 

For more from Mmina, check out her website .

To vote for Mmina Gaebonwe SMS: BFYY MMINA GAEBONWE TO 17272 FOR BEST FEMALE OF THE YEAR

AND BYFP FOR BEST FASHION PERSONALITY

Disclaimer:(All pictures of Mmina Gaebonwe are from her social media platforms)

HER STYLE WEDNESDAYS... #WCW

Hey Fashion Lovers and Fashion creatives! 

We introduce the new weekly segment

HER STYLE WEDNESDAYS.

Where we share on woman's fashion and Culture and celebrate with you our style crush stylistas of the week.

Our first crush to introduce the segment is Fifi Mathambo(@fiifums), Lifestyle Enthusiast, Lifestyle Enthusiast, Stylist, Magazine Writer, Director, Micro Influencer, Project Consultant and Brand Advocate

Well known for her signature hastag  #Liveyourbestlifewithfii and #Whatthatmouthdo

We love Fifi's Style because she always adds confidence to completes her looks and stand out in a crowd.  #WomanCrushWednesday 

Photography by Vandeaarde

source:Fashion Politics Bw

Send us your #WCW that should be celebrated for Her Style. 

MEN'S FASHION MONDAYS.....#MCM

Introducing Men's Fashion Monday. A Fashion Meet Up segment that celebrates Men's Wear and Culture!

We are crushing on @bae_zheng from the COOLIGVNS crew, this Monday with his cool streetstyle look taken by @Ogonem

Our Cross the border MCM goes to @ Maitele_wawefounder of THE SOCIAL MARKET located in SouthAfrica 

We are about his hairdo! 

WELCOME TO FASHION MEET UP......WHO ARE WE?

Fashion Meet Up celebrates creativity, style and individuality while advancing creative entrepreneurship in the fashion industry and transforming the African narrative through fashion.

                                                                                  

Identified as a continuing obstacle to the growth of the fashion industry in Botswana is the constraint placed on fashion lovers and fashion creatives to freely express themselves. Our society still dictates the way we should look and how we ought to dress, placing us in a box of conformity that does not respect the concept of either individuality or creativity, and accordingly stunting the potential innovation that must be brought to the fashion industry.

Fashion meet up is a platform for individuals to express their styles without limitations or fear. We are for the simplest phrase “DO YOU!”

A room filled with individuality creates diversity.

“Creativity and innovation are key to long term prosperity and economic success”- Andy William

The strongest asset our country has is the youth!

In the wake of the extreme unemployment, this is the precise moment to rise the fashion industry into a sector that can create jobs and grow the economy of Botswana. The fashion industry in Botswana has potential to be a sector that sustains the economy as it has proven to do across our borders. Our aim as Fashion meet up is to empower fashion creatives on creative entrepreneurship as a stepping stone to them becoming successful and powerful business women/men. If we combine the topic entrepreneurship with creativity we revolutionize the fashion industry in Botswana from being considered a hobby to a respected business venture. 

“African arts are used to transform the African narrative”

Our story as Africans has always been told by individuals and corporations (everybody else who is not African) for their own benefit and in their quest to exploit Africa. The media have reported stories on the strife that surround the whole of Africa, and never any that breed positivism or light into Africa. Creativity has always been used as medium to tell stories. Fashion Meet Up is a platform to share fashion movements that tell the story of the contemporary African youth.