Mosotho Bathong Hosts Second Annual Fashion Show in Qacha’s Nek

Mosotho Bathong hosted its second annual fashion show on Saturday at the Qacha’s Nek Community Hall, attracting an energetic crowd and highlighting emerging fashion talent from Qacha’s Nek and neighbouring Matatiele. The event was organized by Mosotho Bathong founder Polelo Mohapi, widely known as CMP Art, and aimed to promote local designers and foster cross-border creative collaboration.

The evening featured live entertainment from renowned artist Rethabile Letsie, also known as Ngoana Bakoena, whose performance energized the audience and added a dynamic cultural element to the event. Attendees enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere that combined fashion, music, and creativity, reflecting the growing interest in Lesotho and Matatiele’s design scene.

The show began with a modelling competition, producing six winners — five from Qacha’s Nek and one from Matatiele. This segment highlighted new modelling talent and provided a platform for young participants to showcase poise and style.

Following the modelling segment, the main fashion design competition featured six designers. One designer participated in an exhibition showcase, while five competed, including one from Lesotho and four from Matatiele. The competition displayed a range of innovative designs, from contemporary fashion to culturally inspired attire, demonstrating the creativity and skill of emerging designers in the region.

The top three designers, all from Matatiele, were Babalwa Phekula of Grace Couture (Pty) Ltd, ’Maletsatsi Mahalika of Letsatsi Empire (Pty) Ltd, and Ramabele Ts’ebeletso of Ramabele Design and Trading Ltd. Their work was praised for originality, craftsmanship, and market appeal, highlighting the potential of cross-border collaborations to strengthen the regional fashion industry.

The second annual Mosotho Bathong fashion show reinforced the organisation’s commitment to nurturing local talent, providing exposure for designers and models, and creating opportunities for cultural exchange. The event has positioned Qacha’s Nek as a growing hub for creative expression and set a strong precedent for future fashion showcases in Lesotho and the surrounding region.