News

Fourth and third year Apparel Design and Product Development students in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences recently held a fashion show to showcase their end of semester garments and interior designs. The glitz and glamour event was aimed at sharpening the student’s entrepreneurial skills in preparation for enterprising life after graduation.  The fashion show was in line with the University of Botswana’s strategic goal of producing industry ready graduates.

Head of Department, Dr Segametsi Maruapula, said during the semester students conducted a market survey to identify consumer needs in areas of clothing design, market trends and red-carpet worthy garments. Thereafter, the students set the theme for their designs around the Kalahari Desert synergy.

As such, the garments showcased had elements relating to the desert such as colour of the sand and sunset ambiance, shape of the dunes, animals found in the desert and the vegetation which were incorporated into the choice of fabric and accessories used. 

University of Botswana alumni, Founder and Creative designer of Kanyo M designs, Mr Boikanyo Molale, graced the event as the guest speaker. Mr Molale, as one the most accomplished designers, gave insights into the realities of being in the fashion design industry in the country. In addition, students from local senior secondary schools in Gaborone were in attendance as a form of inspiration and motivation to ultimately join the department or UB upon completing their form five.

The UB students themselves organized, managed the logistics and presentation of the fashion show thereby putting to test their creativity and ability to perform in the fashion industry. A panel of judges scored the students and will form part of the credit for the semester.