France Learning Expedition
FRANCE LEARNING EXPEDITION
Création Botswana’s France Learning Expedition: A Transformative Journey Through Paris & Montpellier
From September 30th to October 12th, the Création Botswana beneficiaries embarked on an unforgettable Learning Expedition (LEX) to Paris and Montpellier, an international immersion designed to expand artistic horizons, deepen industry knowledge, and connect
Botswana’s designers to the global fashion ecosystem.
This LEX became, without question, the defining highlight of the entire Création Botswana programme. It offered powerful exposure to international markets, world-class creative institutions, groundbreaking designers, and real-world professional environments that reshaped how the cohort sees fashion, business, and their own potential.
A Parisian Welcome: Immersing in the Global Fashion Capital
Upon arrival in Paris, the designers wereimmediately immersed in the world’s most
influential fashion ecosystem. The group explored:
● The Saint Pierre fabric market, known for its iconic textiles and centuries-old role in French couture
● Little Africa Agency, a hub spotlighting African designers and creatives shaping Parisian culture
● Maison Alaïa, celebrating the legacy of Tunisian-born Parisian couturier Azzedine Alaïa
● Concept stores in Le Marais, guided by fashion legend Amah Ayivi, These moments introduced the designers to Paris as a living classroom; rich with history,
creativity, and commercial innovation.
The Création Botswana Pop-Up at Marché Noir: A Major International Debut
One of the most defining experiences of the expedition was the Création Botswana Pop-Up Market at Marché Noir, Amah Ayivi’s iconic Parisian concept store dedicated to African craftsmanship, culture, and vintage reinvention.
● It marked the designers’ first commercial showcase in Europe.
● Their collections were introduced to a Parisian audience that values boutique craftsmanship and African aesthetics.
● The event drew creatives, buyers, stylists, journalists, and members of Paris’ African diaspora community.
● Designers received real-time feedback; learning which pieces drew attention, what stories resonated most, and how their brands translate culturally across continents.
The energy at Marché Noir was electric. Seeing Botswana’s fashion on a Parisian rack, among curated African luxury, became one of the most emotional victories of the journey.
Full-Circle Magic: Watching MaXhosa at Paris Fashion Week
One of the most emotional and symbolic experiences of the LEX was attending the MaXhosa Africa runway show at Paris Fashion Week.
This moment was especially meaningful because:
● During the South Africa Learning Expedition, the cohort visited the MaXhosa factory and studio, exploring their production methods and brand story firsthand.
● Seeing MaXhosa, an African luxury brand that began on the continent, command the Paris Fashion Week stage showed exactly what is possible for Botswana’s designers.
● It connected their educational journey to a living example of African excellence and global success. Watching Laduma Ngxokolo’s designs move down the runway in Paris was a full-circle triumph, a visual reminder that African fashion belongs not only in Africa but on the world’s most prestigious stages.
After Paris, the journey continued to Montpellier, a vibrant creative hub where the designers were welcomed by the cultural accelerator Halle Tropisme.
● Prepared backstage
● Held fittings
● Rehearsed with professional show teams
● Presented their collections in the Botswana Fashion Show at Ateliers Tropisme
This fashion show marked a milestone:
● It was the cohort’s first full international runway presentation.
● French audiences engaged deeply with the stories, craftsmanship, and cultural depth behind each collection.
● It showcased Botswana’s talent in a European creative institution known for forward-thinking art and design.
The moment the lights came up and the first model walked out, the designers saw their hard work reinterpreted through a world-class runway experience, affirming their readiness for global markets.
Botswana Fashion Takes the Stage: The Botswana Designers Fashion Show in Montpellier
Workshops, Networking, Business Meetings & Cultural Exposures In both cities, the LEX included experiences designed to strengthen business acumen and global understanding, including:
In Montpellier:
● A conference on creative ecosystem development led by Vincent Cavaroc of Halle Tropisme
● A session on building and funding cross-continental projects
● B2B meetings with French creative economy stakeholders
● Industry tours of brands such as Souleiado and Agnès b.
In Paris:
● Visits to leading exhibitions such as Palais Galliera
● Retail strategy insights at Galeries Lafayette
● Networking at major Paris Fashion Week events
● Experiencing amazing places like Le19M and Premiere Classe
A Journey That Transformed Lives & Futures
The France Learning Expedition was not just a trip, it was a professional evolution.
It gave designers:
● Confidence in their global relevance
● Practical understanding of international fashion markets
● New creative inspiration
● Professional images and runway footage
● Valuable industry networks
● Clarity about next steps for export, branding, and collection development
Most importantly, it affirmed one powerful truth:
Botswana’s designers belong on the world stage—not in the future, but right now.
The Création Botswana France Learning Expedition will be remembered as a turning point, a door-opening experience, and a celebration of what becomes possible when talent, opportunity, and cultural exchange converge.
