Tanzanian designer joins forces with Reebok for global impact
Ms Anjali Borkhataria, founder of the Ekantik clothing line, takes a bow on the catwalk during the South African Menswear Week in South Africa recently. PHOTO I COURTESY.
What you need to know:
- Ms Borkhataria described the collaboration as a dream come true, emphasising that it was an opportunity to spotlight Tanzanian fashion on the international stage.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian designer Anjali Borkhataria has broken new ground with a historic collaboration with global sportswear giant Reebok.
At the esteemed South African Menswear Week fashion show on April 6, 2024, Ms Borkhataria unveiled the fusion of style and functionality, making her the first Tanzanian designer to partner with Reebok.
Known for its fusion of Tanzanian heritage, particularly through batik, with modern designs, Anjali's Ekantik brand has joined forces with Reebok to create versatile pieces suitable for both everyday wear and athletic pursuits.
Expressing her excitement, Ms Borkhataria described the collaboration as a dream come true, emphasising that it was also an opportunity to spotlight Tanzanian fashion on the international stage.
"The opportunity for a Tanzanian brand to partner with Reebok expands our reach and influence. Reebok sponsored our autumn/winter 2024 season, infusing their expertise and style into our collection," she shared.
The partnership, inspired by Reebok's innovation and shared values with Ekantik, amplifies the creativity and craftsmanship of Tanzanian fashion for global audiences.
As explained by Ms Borkhataria, "Their values resonate with ours, and teaming up with such an iconic brand enables us to spotlight Tanzanian fashion on a grander scale."
She further elaborated that by fusing Tanzanian culture, particularly through batik and Reebok's sporty elements, Tanzanian heritage gets celebrated while embracing modernity.
Looking forward, Ms Borkhataria reveals that she intends to foster a strong partnership with Reebok, potentially for future fashion joint ventures.
"This collaboration showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of my country's fashion to global audiences," she said.
Beyond showcasing creativity, Ms Borkhataria sees collaborations with international brands as essential for innovation, exposure, and expanding networks in the fashion industry.
"By partnering with like-minded brands, we can amplify our message and reach new audiences easily," she said.
With an illustrious career spanning from Cape Town to London, Ms Borkhataria continues to inspire fellow designers with her persistence, emphasising the importance of staying true to one's vision and seizing opportunities along the way.
Originally from Dar es Salaam, Anjali's fashion career started in Cape Town, South Africa, where she graduated in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in fashion design.
She has been featured in esteemed publications such as Forbes Africa and BBC Africa, as well as in 'A Nasty Boy,' a renowned Nigerian fashion magazine.
Her fashion brand is worn by celebrities across the region and the African continent, including Kenyan musician Tanasha Donna, Tanzanian DJ Romy Jons, and singer Mbosso.
She has also appeared in Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz’s music video, featuring Congolese singer Koffi Olomide.
Ms Borkhataria's illustrious career includes winning the Innovative Designer of the Year Award at the Swahili Fashion Week in 2020 and 2021, respectively, along with securing the second position at FIMA in Morocco.
FIMA (Festival International de la Mode en Afrique) is Africa’s largest international fashion festival.
She is currently filming a TV show titled 'Fit for a First Lady' in London, further cementing her status as a fashion trailblazer.
