Explore the exchange story of designer iZAURA from Botswana and artisans Quazi Design from Swaziland and find out how they created their look for The Commonwealth Fashion Exchange, 2018.
“I found
it very fitting to work with Quazi Design, as we both strongly believe in
empowering society, especially women and girls.”
Mothusi Lesolle, iZaura
The Exchange: Botswana x Swaziland
For The Commonwealth Fashion Exchange 2018, designer iZAURA exchanged with artisana Quazi Design to create a look that symbolises principles important to both countries. The look was unveiled at Buckingham Palace on February 19, 2018, and later moved to the Australian High Commission, London, where it was open to the public in the run up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit, April 2018.
Botswana: Designer iZAURA
After mentorship from Botswana’s best loved fashion house, Mpho Kuaho, Mothusi Lesolle set up his own brand, iZAURA. Lesolle’s big break came in 2013 when one of his designs appeared on the cover of Lifestyle magazine, and he created a gown for Rosemary Keofitlhetse, who went on to become Miss Botswana. Soon after that he was featured in Macy’s ‘Celebration of World Fashion’ in 2015. Lesolle also uses his fashion label to lend a helping hand to the less fortunate. His program, ‘Donate a Prom Dress’, gives local girls from underprivileged families the opportunity to wear designer clothes to their prom parties.
Discarded magazines used to create necklacesCommonwealth Fashion Council
Recycling magazines
The big idea behind Quazi Design was found in some discarded magazines. Realising the potential of the brightly printed pages, Doron Shaltiel, the managing director of Quazi, turned the paper into tiny beads to create jewellery.
iZAURA's artisan workshopCommonwealth Fashion Council
iZAURA's artisan workshopCommonwealth Fashion Council
A growing organisation
From just one artisan, the company now employs several artisans, each of whom specialise in creating miniature works of art out of paper.
iZAURA's artisan workshopCommonwealth Fashion Council
iZAURA's artisan workshopCommonwealth Fashion Council
The story behind the look
Mothusi Lesolle of Botswana and Doron Shaltiel of Swaziland collaborated on a design that symbolised principles important to both countries.
iZAURA's sketch by Mothusi LesolleCommonwealth Fashion Council
Illustration of the dress
Behind the scenes with Mothusi in the iZAURA workshop by Mothusi LesolleCommonwealth Fashion Council
Symbolic materials
The white linen fabric represents purity, an expectation of young women in Swaziland.
Discarded magazines used to create necklacesCommonwealth Fashion Council
Recycled paper beads
The red recycled paper beads raise awareness of HIV/AIDS.
Discarded magazines used to create necklacesCommonwealth Fashion Council
The black beads signify the power in the culture of the people of Swaziland and pay tribute to the power of women.
iZAURA's artisan workshopCommonwealth Fashion Council
iZAURA's artisan workshopCommonwealth Fashion Council
Artisans using discarded magazines used to create necklacesCommonwealth Fashion Council
Discarded magazines used to create necklacesCommonwealth Fashion Council
Jewellery created by artisans Quazi DesignCommonwealth Fashion Council
Quazi Design accessories completed iZAURA's look.
iZAURA's look at Buckingham PalaceCommonwealth Fashion Council
Final look on display at Buckingham Palace, 19 February 2018
iZAURA's look at Australian High Commission, London by Mothusi LesolleCommonwealth Fashion Council
Final look on display at the Australian High Commission, London, 22 February 2018
Behind the Scenes of The Commonwealth Fashion Exchange 2018Commonwealth Fashion Council
This content has been specifically curated for the Google Arts & Culture platform on behalf of the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange exhibition that launched on the 19th of February at Buckingham Palace in partnership with Swarovski, The Woolmark Company and MATCHESFASHION.COM.
The project, created and managed by Eco-Age, with the support of The Commonwealth Fashion Council and The British Fashion Council.
More information about the images is available by clicking on them.
Read more about the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange at http://eco-age.com/commonwealth-fashion-exchange/
