Sabine Matsheka
When did you first get started in fashion?
I have the typical story of loving clothes since god knows when and the fashion space has always been very interesting to me. I did drama in high school and would design my pieces. I remember using my allowance to buy my first Baby Phat jacket.
I decided I wanted to turn this love and passion into something a little more formal in 2016. I thought about a minimal sustainable clothing brand and got the ball rolling in 2020. I started thinking about design and putting it all together.
Considering that you went to school at LSE, what made you transition from that field to fashion?
I haven't fully transitioned yet. My current work looks at gender and technology and how the 2 intersect. I work to advocate for gender equality when looking at internet access. For the last 5 years, I've worked in communications, journalism, and PR. So, I'm still working on making a full transition.
In a country that’s still undergoing a digital transformation, I want to be part of the movement to bring digital access to all. I want to understand what it means to be a digital vendor as well as empower other women in the digital field. If anything, I'll be bringing my experience as a researcher into the field of fashion. Transitioning fully has to be a meticulous plan, but I'm working on it.
What are some of your design influences?
My influences are ever-changing. I wouldn’t stick it to a certain brand, person, or designer. My mood boards have shifted and changed as time has gone. One big thing is natural elements. Maru means clouds. The colors of skies or grounds beneath us are inspirations. Botswana is an arid country, so there are distinct colors in the sand. I take influences from the environment and the women who live here. The first collection is an introduction as to who the Maru woman is and the environments she wonders in.
How have your travels influenced your design?
Traveling has helped me gain a broader perspective as to how women in the world dress. Getting a broader perspective as to how women dress has been big for me. What my travels have shown me is how much climate and weather have affected the way we dress. The global modern woman is the woman that I aspire to make for. But first and foremost is my country, Botswana, and the desert climate is a big influence.
Talk about the importance of having the products made in Botswana.
Probably the most important thing to me. It's linked to my broader goals of building towards an active textile and manufacturing industry in Botswana. There was a big growth in the 80s and 90s in the textile industry. That, unfortunately, came to a standstill. Now, the government and other players are seeking to build that industry again. My wanting to be apart of this re-structuring is a factor in making products here.
It's important to me that my products are made in Botswana by a Botswana woman. That's at the forefront of everything I’ve done. This is a bottom-up sustainable company. I'm proud of where I’m from and there are amazing local craftspeople. The goal is to showcase that in every way. Putting Botswana on the map in the fashion industry is a goal. The easier route and the cheaper route would be making them outside. But I want to build here in Botswana and I’m adamant about it and that’s the one thing I’ve not wanted to falter on.
How do you feel about the representation of Black women in the fashion industry?
It's been amazing to see the growth of Black women in businesses. We’ve seen a lot of big and small brands of Black women-owned businesses. This is a moment where things may be shifting around the representation of Black women in the industry. But sometimes it almost feels like a little too late but I’m glad it's happening. Representation of Black women in the media is something that I’m also interested in. We’re still underrepresented and erased in many ways, but some of the change is good to see.
But we know Black Women have been running things. From Naomi to Rihanna, it's evident that we deserve and are seeking respect on our names. For me, I want women to run things in all facets. From the women who make the garments to the women who model the clothes. It's the reason why I’m very passionate about the fact that I want the business to be run by Black women.
Where do you see the brand going in the future?
Currently working on conceptualization of our autumn-winter 2021 collection. Us growing from where we are to a mid-luxury designer brand is a big goal. I have very big dreams for it. We would love to take part in some fashion shows eventually. Virtual fashion shows are a thing that’s happening. I'm interested to see how that will all shape and become but it's a slow and steady rise.
Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to do what you do?
Just start. I spoke about it forever. I always felt like where do I begin. Putting things down and starting somewhere. No action is too big or too small. You’ll never be the first to do anything. Don’t focus too much on trying to be different or niche. Stay true to yourself and the soul of your business. Won’t be first or last but you’ll do it in a way that makes sense to you. That will set you apart.
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