Meet the Designer One Rapelana of Botswana
Nestled in southern Africa lies Botswana, a country bordered by land on all sides. Here, one can find some of the most untouched and pristine wilderness that the continent has to offer. The Kalahari Desert blankets much of the country, boasting its vibrant red sand dunes and diverse array of wildlife, including meerkats and lions. Botswana is renowned for its abundance of wildlife, within it residing some of the largest game reserves in the world, such as Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, and the Okavango Delta. These protected areas house a myriad of animals, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and crocodiles.
One Rapelana, the founder and designer of the award-winning Xita accessories brand, was born in the capital of Botswana, Gaborone. The name of her brand Xita was founded in 2015. While taking French classes, she discovered the calendar of saints and learned that her birthday coincided with St. Zita's day. Intrigued by this connection, she decided to replace the "z" with an "x" and thus, Xita was created. She drew inspiration from geometric shapes and her surroundings to create unique and functional products.
One holds a degree in Business Science, majoring in Marketing and Management, which she obtained from Monash South Africa. She has been recognized for her work and achievements, having won an award at the regional Presidents Day Celebrations and National Women Business Expo. Additionally, she has showcased her designs at events such as the AFI Joburg Fashion Week 2018, and the Lima Design Week 2020. Her work has also been featured in Glamour SA magazine.
Each of her earrings, neckpieces, and bags is carefully crafted with exceptional care, using materials such as recycled leather and eco-friendly fabrics. Whether worn with casual or formal wear, the designs are versatile and can add an edge to any outfit.
The Seeds of Growth collection is a beautiful representation of Xita designs' commitment to creating functional and artistic products that inspire boldness and growth. The Chia and the Quinoa are designed with eye-catching variations of colors, which are reminiscent of the vibrant hues found in nature. These earrings are a perfect addition to any outfit, adding a touch of playfulness and personality. They are also lightweight, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Xita designs are sustainably made with the environment in mind. They are handcrafted by Xita’s founder One Rapelana using recycled materials and eco-friendly production methods, making them a great choice for the environmentally-conscious fashionista.
Please spare a moment to discover additional information about One Rapelana and her distinctive brand.
What is your definition of fashion?
It is an extension of our personality, current mood, and attitude. It allows us to express ourselves and showcase our individuality through clothing choices.
How would you describe fashion in Botswana?
Botswana had its own way of dressing in the 1700s before western fashion was adopted. These included animal skin and fur, so fashion here is different now from what it was back then. Clothes and styles have evolved over the years due to external influences. The fashion styles today are influenced by TV personalities, musicians, and influencers they are exposed to.
What was the greatest lesson you ever received as the Founder and Creative Director of Xita?
To only seek advice from people who have achieved what I want to achieve, but also listen to my intuition.
What and who inspires you?
Many things and people inspire me, such as architecture, different landscapes like deserts and dunes, music/sounds, and different cultures from around the world. I have found furniture and product designers like Peter Mabeo and Kanye West to be particularly inspirational. Lately, I have been leaning towards organic shapes and some minimalism.
If you could describe Xita in 3 words, what would they be?
Distinctive, artistic, and bold.
How do you want women to feel when they wear your jewelry and bags?
I want them to feel a sense of uniqueness, empowerment, and confidence. I also want their mood to be boosted when wearing my pieces.
What is your favorite fabric and why?
Leather, because it's a durable material that can withstand wear and tear. It has a timeless and classic look that never goes out of style, adds sophistication and elegance to any outfit, and is an environmentally-friendly choice compared to synthetic materials.
What can the fashion industry do to be more sustainable?
The fashion industry can have more of a made-to-order model or produce in small quantities (prioritizing quality over quantity), use more sustainable materials such as organic cotton, hemp, and leather that is a by-product of the meat industry and recycled. These materials need to be ethically-sourced and to minimize the use of harmful chemicals during produciton.
How can we change the behavior of consumers to make more conscious purchasing decisions?
A combination of social influence, collaboration, accessibility, incentives, and education can help create a more sustainable and conscious society.
How do you think fashion will change in the future?
More companies will adopt sustainable practices such as reducing waste and using more sustainable fabrics. Technology will continue to affect the way fashion is produced and marketed. This has already begun with brands using virtual and augmented reality, like Burberry and ASOS. Additionally, as more consumers demand more inclusivity from fashion brands, the fashion industry will become more diverse and inclusive. Brands like Telfar and Madewell are already practicing inclusivity.
