With Merapelo ya Bashimane ba Kalahari Desert, Seditsi Collection steps boldly into the world of menswear — and what a debut it is. This Spring/Summer 2025 capsule by Lesedi Baakwalanya, Founder and Head Designer at Seditsi Collection, and Romley Lishiba, the brand’s Creative Director, feels like a prayer stitched in fabric — poetic, grounded and distinctly African.
The collection pays homage to the dreams of the boys of the Kalahari Desert — a nod to resilience, identity and the power of transformation. “Merapelo ya Bashimane ba Kalahari Desertdraws from Setswana roots, evoking the aspirations of black boys raised in a harsh yet beautiful landscape,” said Lesedi. “It’s about dreams turning into reality — honouring the journey of embracing your true self.”
Presented at this year’s Fashion Meets Gospel showcase in Johannesburg, the debut left the audience breathless — a visual hymn to heritage and hope. It marked Seditsi’s confident entry into menswear, bringing the same spiritual depth and visual poetry that has long defined its women’s collections.
At its core, Merapelo ya Bashimane ba Kalahari Desert tells a story of evolution — how tradition can be reimagined without losing its soul. The brand’s signature is its ability to merge African spirituality with luxury fashion, a philosophy deeply rooted in the prints, patterns and symbolism woven through each garment.
“The spiritual aspect has always been at the heart of what we do,” said Romley. “We honour African traditions while embracing innovation. Our prints carry ancestral motifs like huts that represent heritage and wisdom — they aren’t just decorative, they are storytelling tools.”
The palette — a blend of brown, cream and green — feels intentional and deeply connected to the African landscape. Lesedi describes it as a reflection of grounding and growth. “Brown symbolises the earth and strength; cream represents purity and wisdom; and green is all about vitality and renewal,” he said. “Together, they remind us of where we come from — our roots — while pushing us forward.”
Seditsi’s approach to menswear is as thoughtful as it is daring. It balances modern tailoring with spiritual storytelling, creating pieces that feel powerful yet wearable. “We wanted to show that African menswear can be minimalist and functional while still carrying deep cultural meaning,” Romley explained. “These are clothes for men who want to be bold and proud of their heritage.”
The collection’s story began in the most unexpected way — with love. “When two friends of ours were getting married, they asked us to design their wedding attire,” Lesedi recalled. “Their union inspired this collection — it was a celebration of black men embracing their identities freely and beautifully. Witnessing that ceremony reminded us that fashion can be a vessel for representation and joy.”
That moment — tender and revolutionary — pushed Seditsi to reflect on how fashion can reshape narratives of masculinity, identity, and self-expression in African culture. “Love and authenticity became the core of this work,” said Lesedi. “It reminded us that the African man’s story deserves to be seen in all its forms — soft, strong, spiritual and stylish.”
Beyond its aesthetic power, the collection also reflects Seditsi’s ethical philosophy. The team prioritised eco-conscious materials sourced locally, ensuring that sustainability remains a pillar of African luxury. “For us, it’s about honouring the land that inspires us,” Lesedi said. “We want to create legacy pieces that respect both people and the planet.”
Seditsi’s return to the runway after its Fashion Meets Gospelsuccess signals more than just a creative high — it’s a statement. “That moment affirmed that our blend of spirituality and fashion belongs on global stages,” Romley reflected. “It gave us the confidence to go even deeper into what makes us authentically African.”
As Seditsi prepares for its next chapter, the message remains clear: this is a brand that dresses the soul before it dresses the body. With Merapelo ya Bashimane ba Kalahari Desert, Lesedi and Romley have created more than a collection — they’ve woven a visual prayer, a call to honour where we come from and to celebrate who we are becoming.
“Each garment carries the energy of empowerment,” Romley said softly. “We want men to feel confident, culturally proud, and connected — to feel that when they wear Seditsi, they’re wearing their story.”
And perhaps that’s Seditsi’s true magic — it’s not just fashion; it’s a movement of identity, spirituality and style.
