Back in 2014, a little girl was born and alongside her birth a brand launched. When Gina du Toit had her daughter, Helena, her love for fabrics and sewing was re-ignited. Nana Clothes for Kids was born.
What is unique about Nana you may ask? Lots. The fabric used is ‘traditional’ leteisi, commonly known as German (yes, German) print. For over two centuries, leteisi has been Botswana’s traditional dress. Inherited from the German settlers in the Cape, Batswana shed the animal skins and furs of days gone by. Back then leteisi only came in blue or brown fabric. But today’s prints offer bursts of bright colours and is ideal for little ones.
So, Gina started sewing and as her family grew, so Nana Clothes for Kids grew too. They went from girls dresses to a more diverse range of designs and then to include a boys range. The 100% cotton and ‘Handmade in Botswana & South Africa’ tag make the clothes all the more appealing – they are local, they look amazing and they last for ages (this works wonders for me as I have THREE boys to dress!).
Nana clothes are not only unique, but they tell a fairytale of sorts – about family, heritage and African culture, just as Gina intended.
When the Du Toit’s relocated to South Africa last year, Nana Clothes for Kids vanished from local markets. But the calls and orders for product kept coming to Gina from Botswana.
Enter Sian, owner of Oodles of Caboodle at Sebele Mall. Sian swears by Nana Clothes for Kids and all three of her girls had their clothes made by Gina (lucky princesses!). You could say that Sian was one of the supporters who convinced Gina to grow the brand from Nana Baby clothes all the way up to the tween years. Now, the clothes are available for nanas from 3 months all the way up to 9 years old.
Oodles of Caboodle now stocks Nana Clothes for Kids
As Botswana gears up to celebrate 52 Years of Independence, Nana has returned to its place of its birth for good.
Oodles of Caboodle received its first batch Nana Clothes for Kids this past week, in time for the festivities.
“Stocking clothes was something I always wanted to do but I needed something different and something of quality. Which is why I opened my shop as a toy and gift store, so that I could stock anything that would make a nice present for kids.” says Sian.
After a couple of years of discussions, the time is now right. Oodles of Caboodle is proud to be the first local stockist of Nana Clothes for Kids. As Sian says, “They fit my stock criteria perfectly. They’re made beautifully and they are unique. I love them and I’m sure others are going to love them too.”
Independence in Botswana
Any parent with kids in school will this week be scurrying to get ‘Botswana Day’ clothes for school on Friday. Most schools will request that children show their national pride and wear Botswana colours or traditional dress one day.
Nana Clothes for Kids could not have arrived at a better time! If you haven’t popped into Oodles of Caboodle yet, now might be a chance to go. The shop will also be open on Saturday 29th for last minute Independence shopping.
What’s next for Nana Clothes for Kids?
Now that the brand is back home, Gina says they are planning world domination. They have recently started selling their range through the South African online shop www.hellopretty.co.za.
They’re building a market in South Africa and might launch a dedicated online store to reach Nana Clothes for Kids lovers worldwide.
I love how this is one woman’s way of spreading a little bit of African culture to the world.
UPDATE: Gina’s just let us know that they are on their way to Botswana to celebrate Independence and restock Oodles of Caboodle. She is arranging a Nana photo shoot for Wednesday afternoon in Gaborone (exact location TBC).
If you have a little one between the ages of 1 and 6 who could be available on Wednesday afternoon from 14:00 – 16:00, please send Gina a photo to [email protected] or via Whatsapp to 71461059. The five models who are selected will each receive a Nana garment!
- Nana Clothes for Kids Now Back in Gaborone - 26/09/2018
1 Comment
Good day my name is Pelachia from Namibia i need your WhatsApp number so that we communicate about the fabrics i need to order them
Thanks
Pelachia