I was hipped to Tsholo when she showed up in my newsfeed on Facebook due to an article on African Prints' page, and boy am I happy she did.
Tsholo is one of a handful of fashion bloggers from and living on the continent of Africa that are redefining African fashion and style.
I completely obsessed with her mix of quirky prints and bright colors with classic staples, that banging afro and I find myself on her site everyday, eagerly anticipating a new outfit post. However, instead of telling her story for her, I am going to allow you to read it in her own words.
Where do you currently live and where are you from originally?
I am from, Botswana (Southern-Africa), born and bred, currently living here.
Why did you create your blog and what is it called?
I created my blog because I had so much to share about, my surroundings, Botswana, Africa and its Diaspora. It was mainly created to expose the riches of African culture, the creative talents, and to promote and provide accessibility to African local market.
My blog is called “The Khoi Fro”. Khoi means “real people”, “men of men” of southern Africa who are physically and linguistically akin to the San. The Khoi-khoi are African historical personalities who made godly discoveries, and are a proud people with a rich culture, traditions and enlightenment spanning many years, hence the name, Khoi, honors the almost extinct tribe that is tied to our origins as a Motswana.
I added the “vroe-woman” written “fro” to give it a twist and further acknowledge my roots and the fact that I am a proud African woman, who is kissed by the sun twice and has the capacity to love the whole world.
My blog is called “The Khoi Fro”. Khoi means “real people”, “men of men” of southern Africa who are physically and linguistically akin to the San. The Khoi-khoi are African historical personalities who made godly discoveries, and are a proud people with a rich culture, traditions and enlightenment spanning many years, hence the name, Khoi, honors the almost extinct tribe that is tied to our origins as a Motswana.
I added the “vroe-woman” written “fro” to give it a twist and further acknowledge my roots and the fact that I am a proud African woman, who is kissed by the sun twice and has the capacity to love the whole world.
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is mix and miss, un-planned and very unpredictable. I have to have that one statement piece in my outfit that is “off-ish” or one that pulls the outfit together. I don’t mix and match.
How would you describe the African fashion scene nationally and locally ?
It’s an exciting time to be an African. African fashion is now the perfect “mood board” for international designers in that they now incorporate that African feel, motifs, elements and designs into their work.
As for the fashion scene locally, Botswana is quite conservative but it’s starting to warm up to fashion as an element of expression rather than just covering up. There is that pride now in our ethnic heritage and tradition and that being depicted in our clothing.
As for nationally, Africans now have a strong essence of being Africans. They are starting to appreciate the history and heritage that goes beyond their struggles. It’s all about re-creating their culture to fit the modern life but still being authentic, that’s how African fashion is right now. Authentically pinned for Africans themselves to interpret the fabrics and patterns and give them their meanings. It is a truly symbiotic relationship.
As for the fashion scene locally, Botswana is quite conservative but it’s starting to warm up to fashion as an element of expression rather than just covering up. There is that pride now in our ethnic heritage and tradition and that being depicted in our clothing.
As for nationally, Africans now have a strong essence of being Africans. They are starting to appreciate the history and heritage that goes beyond their struggles. It’s all about re-creating their culture to fit the modern life but still being authentic, that’s how African fashion is right now. Authentically pinned for Africans themselves to interpret the fabrics and patterns and give them their meanings. It is a truly symbiotic relationship.
Who are some of Botswana's rising fashion houses or lines in your region of Africa?
Botswana designers are very much talented and a couple of them have showcased in international platforms. There is an urge to be, and reconstruct the past and the future through their designs.
We have Koketso Chiepe,an internationally recognised designer based in UK/India who is the founder of Gaborone Fashion Weekend. We also have Mpho Kuaho, founder of Colour in the Desert Fashion Week. Furthermore there are those emerging designers, recognised and reputable designers such as Mothusi Lesolle, Botho Chalebgwa, Aobakwe Molosiwa, Lebang Setso, Thato Mokgadi, Fatima Mekgwe, Lebo Ramerafhe of Di-monde Reign, Black Trash, and accessory designers such as African Lace, Sino Ragontse, Jen Osei-Mensah, who are doing amazing jobs.
Africans have now found their voices and no longer want to be silent about their own identity, struggles, achievements, they have found new ways to incorporate that onto their daily lives, to honour a life that is.
We have Koketso Chiepe,an internationally recognised designer based in UK/India who is the founder of Gaborone Fashion Weekend. We also have Mpho Kuaho, founder of Colour in the Desert Fashion Week. Furthermore there are those emerging designers, recognised and reputable designers such as Mothusi Lesolle, Botho Chalebgwa, Aobakwe Molosiwa, Lebang Setso, Thato Mokgadi, Fatima Mekgwe, Lebo Ramerafhe of Di-monde Reign, Black Trash, and accessory designers such as African Lace, Sino Ragontse, Jen Osei-Mensah, who are doing amazing jobs.
Africans have now found their voices and no longer want to be silent about their own identity, struggles, achievements, they have found new ways to incorporate that onto their daily lives, to honour a life that is.
Look out for upcoming projects with my BFF and business partner Gaone Mothibi, together we are called GaTsh Fros. We are Botswana’s Fashion Artists. We write, create, style and do anything Fashion and culture. Like GaTsh Fros on FB and my personal page The Khoi-Fro for more.
Follow Khoi Fro
Instagram: @GaTsh Fros,
Tsholo's Instagram: @thekhoi_fro,
Twitter: @thekhoi_fro, @gatshfros87
Blog: The Khoi- Fro Blog
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Thanks chiclets for your chic comments. I look forward to hearing more from you.
Forever chic,