News South Asia

Gaborone — They are a couple that has endured all odds, venturing into the unpredictable leather industry to transform animal hides into breath taking accessories.

 

For over the five years, the first local fashion brand has dominated international shores, sharing the ramp with renowned international designers, even owning a bag themed the ′DT bag′ named after the sassy David Tlale who bought it spot on, and the elegant ′Mma Obama′ bag titled after US first lady Michelle Obama who impulsively bought it during her visit to Botswana.

 

The pioneers of the international Lebang Setso Leather Crafters leather brand, Nkgopoleng and Lebang Kolagano have made strides in the leather, fashion and accessory sector.

 

From humble beginnings, the couple had a dream to transform the modern day lady and man, with unique, quality, and stunning creations that resemble the Setswana culture.

 

Lebang Setso Leather Crafters does not only design, refurbish and transform leather, they also design bags from clutch bags, to carriage bags, vanity bags, men′s bags and laptop bags and one of their hot signature look, the executive bag, which most corporate clients cater for their clients.

 

Also they design arm bands, earrings and an exquisite leather wine holder.

 

 

 

In addition, Lebang the head designer, mentioned she uses pure leather to craft her materials, whilst incorporating them with the trade mark of most designers plus synergising with other materials such as leteisi, fur and other accessories such as beads.

 

"We add these materials to our products, to add a bit of charm to them but still being inspired by the culture of Setswana and keeping it original, as most of our products are handmade, to keep its texture and natural appeal," she said.

 

She added that, they want to make sure that if one sees a Lebang Setso product on the streets of RoseBank or Sandton to the flea markets of Paris they should recognise it as proudly done in Botswana.

 

Interesting enough, though business has been slow ever since they went to the incubator in Gaborone, they managed to spark some light in the fashion circles, from sponsoring Miss Botswana products, to attending the Vukani fashion week in South Africa.

 

Lebang also stated that they were sported internationally by Vincent du Sartel through the French Embassy and Coco Chanel Foundation, and talks are in place to secure a market in the European Fashion capitals.

 

Further, for his part, Nkgopoleng the marketing head, stated that they have encountered many challenges among them lack of an operational space plus inadequate funding.

 

 

 

"We initially started the business from our own pockets, but due to growth we have encountered a lot of challenges, and because this is a labour intensive job we have asked a few women from the village to help stich some of our products, also in return empowering them and paying them."

 

He said that the problem also was the lack of a leather tannery in Botswana which forces them to exorbitantly source leather from neighbouring countries like South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

 

Nkgopoleng also said although they have such challenges, with time they would overcome them and they are hopeful their business will grow Into an international brand.

 

The Kgolagano′s also mentioned that they have moved their business back to their home in Taung, a few kilometres away from Gaborone.

 

They added that they hope to build a place there and make it a viewing area and a cultural village for one to relax and indulge in Setswana culture while being away from the hassle of the city also in return teaching their clients about leather making.