This October, marked a milestone for Xita , our debut showcase at Tranoï during Paris Fashion Week SS26, made possible through the support of Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) and Afreximbank.
Being part of Tranoï wasn’t just a professional achievement; it was a deeply emotional experience. As a designer rooted in Botswana yet always inspired by global perspectives, standing in Paris felt like the universe whispering, “keep going.”
The collection I presented, Lwapeng: Returning Home, explored the idea of belonging not as a physical place, but as a feeling, a return to one’s truth. The designs drew inspiration from how traditional villages in Botswana were once built, in circular formations with a central space that symbolized connection and community. For me, that circle represents life’s rhythm , the ongoing journey of leaving, evolving, and coming back home to yourself.
Beyond showcasing, Tranoï became a space for connection. I met incredible African designers, journalists, buyers, and creatives, each conversation reminding me that African design is not just emerging; it’s expanding, taking up space, and shaping the global narrative with authenticity and innovation.
There was a special sense of pride in seeing so many African voices represented in Paris, each telling their own story through craft, culture, and material. For Xita, being part of this collective moment felt like a continuation of that circular journey , where creativity, collaboration, and culture meet.
