Mohalenyane Phakela
YOUTH-ORIENTED magazine, Ymag, will host its debut fashion fiesta at Canton Restaurant, Moposo House on Saturday.
The magazine is an online publication that covers issues affecting the youth.
Since fashion is a key component of the magazine’s content, the company opted to hold the show to promote the local fashion and modelling industry.
“People perceive the fashion and design industries as those only pursued by people who failed to excel at school,” Lebajoa Mapota, owner of the magazine, told The Weekender on Tuesday.
“We are trying to change that mindset and would like fashion to be seen as a profession which allows one to explore his or her creativity and actually earn a decent living.”
He said Lesotho has a small fashion industry.
“Most Basotho only consider fashion what they see in the media and yet we can also grow our own industry because we have many talented local designers,” Mapota said.
Mapota further explained they have called on big companies and upcoming local designers to be part of the show.
“We would like to give home-grown designers the opportunity to compare their designs to the well established brands.”
He said his company was also in the process of negotiating a deal with a local clothing outlet to have the products of upcoming designers, who will be part of the fashion show, sold at the store.
On promoting the modelling industry Mapota said: “We are going to have experienced models and have confidence that they are going to bring out the best of winter fashion, which happens to be the theme of the show.”
The winter fashion trends will highlight that it is possible to be stylish regardless of the weather.
“The show will be a lavish event with an elaborate variety of clothing lines and designs set according to the winter theme. There is going to be lots of local musicians such as MSU, Third Code and Pablo the poet,” Mapota said.
