Express yourself fashion Gala

The Express Yourself Fashion Gala is an annual fashion showcase event hosted by Collections by BK Proctor, a Botswana-based LifeStyle and fashion brand. Held in Gaborone, the event presents new seasonal collections by the brand alongside live music performances and has been described by local media as one of the country's most prominent fashion events. It was inaugurated in December 2023 to mark the brand's fifth anniversary.

Background

Collections by BK Proctor was founded in August 2018 by Bokang Proctor, a Gaborone-based musician and fashion entrepreneur. By 2023, having reached the five-year milestone of the brand, Proctor chose to mark the occasion with a dedicated fashion showcase event combining runway presentations with live entertainment; an event format he described as a vehicle for promoting Botswana's cultural identity through fashion.

EDition 1 (2023)

The inaugural Express Yourself Fashion Gala was held on 2 December 2023 at the Grand Palm Resort in Gaborone. It celebrated five years of the Collections by BK Proctor brand and featured five collections presented in collaboration with five corporate partners: KBL, Mascom, First Capital Bank, BoMaid, and ALKO liquor distributors.

Musical performances at the first edition were Delivered by Han C, who had won the YAMAs Artist of the Year award, as well as Samantha Mogwe, German Dollar, and Chef Gustos. The event was well received by attendees, who called for the gala to be repeated in future years.

Proctor stated at the event that among the brand's goals for the next five years was establishing a local production factory in Botswana to generate employment for the creative community, and that the brand remained open to collaborative partnerships with other local creatives.

Edition 2 (2024)

The second edition of the Express Yourself Fashion Gala was held on 7 December 2024 at the Gaborone International Conference Centre (GICC). The event theme was Frosty Elegance, described by BK Proctor as a concept blending cool, sophisticated aesthetics with the warmth of the summer season.

Collections

Five collections were presented at the 2024 edition:

The Formal Expressive Set Collection - menswear and womenswear centered on elegance and individual expression, with vibrant dominant colors, subtle whites, palettes of orange, yellow, and burgundy.
The Palette of Expression Collection - a bold line in vivid colorways designed for those who use clothing as a means of individual statement.
The Pride Collection - a rainbow-themed line presented as the designer's public statement of support for the LGBT community, featuring pop colors and eye-catching pieces suited to spring and summer wear.
The Shining Horizon Collection -garments featuring shiny fabrics and sparkling crystals, framed around themes of optimism and self-expression.
The Amazing Botswana Collection - led on the runway by reigning Miss Botswana Anicia Gaothusi, the collection used the blue, white, and black of the Botswana national flag as its color palette, intended to reflect the spirit and heritage of the country.

Hosts and performers

The 2024 gala was hosted by radio personalities Loungo Andre Pitse and Oratile Kefitlhile, alongside TV personality Sadi Dikgaka and entertainer MduDaParty. Musical performers included Samantha Mogwe, Priscilla K, Ban-T, Veezo View, Chef Gustos, Oneal Africa, Vee Mampeezy, Chokoma, Baxon, and the Mafitlhakgosi Dance Group. Among notable guests were Miss Universe Botswana Dr. Thanolo Keutlwile, public relations professional Mercy Thebe, and recording artist Mpho Sebina.

Reception

The second edition was covered by multiple Botswana publications. The Botswana Gazette described the event as a platform for exporting Botswana's culture through fashion, and noted its growing appeal to both domestic and international guests. Weekend Post described the event as "enchanting", noting its emphasis on self-expression, bold statements, and inclusivity. Fantastic Moments called the gala a game-changer in Botswana's events landscape, and described it as having established itself as a cornerstone of the country's showbiz Scene.

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