Glotto: A Journey of Cultural Storytelling Through Fashion

An Interview with Mboko Basiami, Founder and Creative Director of Glotto

At the intersection of heritage, craftsmanship, and modernity stands Glotto, a fashion brand that is not just creating clothing but telling stories that resonate deeply with Africa’s cultural fabric. Mboko Basiami, the visionary behind the brand, draws inspiration from her own Setswana and Kalanga roots, weaving them into a tapestry of contemporary African fashion that bridges generations, geographies, and identities. In this exclusive interview, Basiami opens up about the essence of Glotto, its rise to prominence, and the journey that brought the brand to Capitec Handmade Africa, one of the continent’s premier platforms for showcasing authentic African design.

Q: Glotto… Please tell us what’s in the name.

A: The name Glotto originates from “Glottology,” which is the study of languages and tongues. It resonates deeply with our brand’s essence—creating fashion that speaks to the multilingual and diverse African heritage. Just as languages connect people across borders, Glotto aims to unify cultures, stories, and craftsmanship through design. The name also reflects my personal journey as a Motswana and Kalanga, and our shared history across Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and South Africa. It’s a reminder of how interconnected we are as a people.

Q: How did the opportunity to showcase and sell your work at Capitec Handmade Africa come about?

A: The opportunity to showcase at Capitec Handmade Africa came as a result of Glotto’s increasing recognition in the African fashion space. We had already gained traction through New York Fashion Week, and platforms like Forbes 30 Under 30 and other industry accolades opened doors to new networks. Capitec Handmade Africa reached out to us through the WOKE Africa team after their internal market research highlighted Glotto as a rising brand. The platform aligns perfectly with our ethos—focused on ethical, Afrocentric, and inclusive fashion. It’s a space where we can test the South African market and build momentum ahead of our physical retail launch in 2025.

Q: How does this platform align with your brand and vision?

A: Capitec Handmade Africa is an ideal platform for Glotto. It’s not just about the design; it’s about the story behind each piece. The platform emphasizes handmade, sustainable practices and cultural authenticity—values that Glotto holds dear. It allows us to test the market and connect with people who truly value craftsmanship and ethical fashion. This aligns perfectly with our focus on slow fashion and authentic storytelling, which we believe can contribute to a circular economy through fashion tourism and innovative design.

Q: Please tell us more about the collection we saw at Capitec Handmade Africa. What inspired it?

A: The collection showcased at Capitec Handmade Africa was a blend of classic Glotto pieces and newer designs. We featured our signature Glotto Saddle pants, which pay homage to Botswana’s herdboy culture, alongside our corduroy collection and handmade crochet hats. We also released our limited-edition rainbow pride skirts, which were launched a year ago in response to Botswana decriminalizing same-sex relationships. Every Glotto garment carries a narrative of functionality, rooted in the symbolism of African fauna and flora. We used earthy tones, textured fabrics, and natural prints to connect with the land and its stories

Mboko Basiami | Capitec handmadeAFRICA

Q: As a creative director, what stories do you want to tell through your work with Glotto?

A: Through Glotto, I want to tell the story of a new African Renaissance—a movement where we reclaim our narratives in the global fashion landscape. My collections reflect the rich diversity of Botswana, which sits at the heart of the SADC region, and also draw inspiration from surrounding cultures that have influenced my creative vision. Our work speaks to Pan-African unity, the evolution from traditional societies to entrepreneurial and creative ones, and Botswana’s journey from dependency on diamonds to embracing creative industries. Each design carries messages of genderless fashion, inclusivity, and the power of craftsmanship.

Q: Where is Glotto as a business now compared to the early stages?
A: Glotto has come a long way since its early days when I was selling halter tops in my campus dorm room. We’ve grown to be voted as one of Botswana’s most admired brands, and we made history by being the first brand from Botswana to showcase at New York Fashion Week. Today, we’re in the phase of expanding regionally and continentally. We’re working on increasing our retail presence, building sustainable Pan-African value chains, and exploring new areas like agrifashion and textile manufacturing. It’s an exciting time as we continue to evolve and build our community, the Glotto Gid Family.

courtesy of Glotto website

Q: What drives you to wake up every morning and do what you do?

A: What drives me every day is the desire to build a lasting legacy—something that is authentically Motswana, African, and globally relevant. The African youthquake is real, and we’re seeing the impact of creatives like Uncle Waffles and Thebe Magugu. It’s a pivotal moment for African fashion, and I believe it’s our time to reshape how the world perceives African aesthetics. Knowing that our work is part of a larger movement makes every challenge worthwhile. And, of course, the incredible support of the Glotto Gid Family keeps me motivated.

Q: How can people get in touch with Glotto?

A: We’re always open to collaborations and new connections! You can visit our website at www.glottobrand.com, or reach us by email at info@glottobrand.com or admin@glottobrand.com. We’re also active on social media under the handles Glottobrand and Glotto.

Through her vision and tireless dedication, Mboko Basiami is leading Glotto on a path of cultural and fashion transformation. By bridging the gap between heritage and modernity, she is redefining the future of African fashion—one story at a time.

Connecting with Glotto

For those looking to connect with Glotto, whether through collaborations or inquiries, Basiami invites them to reach out via their website at www.glottobrand.com or through email at info@glottobrand.com. Glotto can also be found on social media under the handles Glottobrand and Glotto.

Through Glotto, Mboko Basiami isn’t just creating fashion; she’s cultivating a movement, inspiring others to see the power of African storytelling through design.