Rwandan Fashion Designer Behind the South Sudan Team's Collection in the Paris Olympics

In a surprising turn of events, MOSHIONS, a prominent Rwandan fashion house, has taken center stage at the Paris 2024 Olympics - not for dressing the Rwandan team, but for creating the custom apparel worn by South Sudan's Olympic team during the opening ceremony on Friday.

Founded by Moses Turahirwa, MOSHIONS has built a reputation for innovative designs that blend traditional Rwandan aesthetics with contemporary fashion. The brand proudly announced their involvement with the South Sudan team on their X (formerly Twitter) account, stating, "We are honored to have created the custom-made outfits for the South Sudan basketball team at the Paris Olympics."

[PHOTO: Designs by Moshions for the South Sudan Team}

This announcement has sparked a mix of pride and confusion among fashion enthusiasts in Rwanda and abroad. While many celebrate the international recognition of Rwandan design talent, others question why MOSHIONS wasn't chosen to dress the Rwandan Olympic team.

Moses Turahirwa, the creative force behind MOSHIONS, has long been a figure of interest in Rwanda's fashion scene. Known for pushing boundaries in both design and personal expression, Turahirwa has garnered attention not only for their fashion creations but also for being a transgender designer in a country where LGBTQ+ rights remain a sensitive topic. Despite potential challenges, Turahirwa has previously counted high-profile clients among their customer base, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame and other African leaders.

[PHOTO:  Moses Turahirwa Creative Diesgner at  Moshions , a fashion brand based in Rwanda]

The decision to design for South Sudan's team has raised eyebrows within Rwanda's fashion community. One fashion enthusiast, speaking with the RCFS's MEDIA, expressed surprise at the development: "It shows that in Rwanda something is not right on his side. Why is he designing for South Sudan not Rwanda? Because no one cares about him anymore when it comes to job offers."

This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the support for local designers within Rwanda itself. While the country has made significant strides in promoting its "Made in Rwanda" initiative across various sectors, some feel that the fashion industry, particularly in high-profile events like the Olympics, has been overlooked.

A Rwandan fashion enthusiast based in France shared their disappointment with the Rwandan team's appearance at the Paris Olympics: "When you look at what our team's collection in Paris Olympics, nothing new, nothing creative. I guess the Ministry of Sports didn't care about promoting made in Rwanda to the world, and this is so sad for our fashion designers."

[PHOTO: Designs by Moshions for the South Sudan Team}

This criticism highlights a missed opportunity for Rwanda to showcase its burgeoning fashion industry on a global stage. The Olympics, watched by millions worldwide, serve as a powerful platform for cultural diplomacy and nation branding. By not utilizing local talent for their Olympic uniforms, Rwanda may have inadvertently sent a message about the perceived value of its domestic fashion industry.

However, MOSHIONS' involvement with the South Sudan team also demonstrates the potential for African designers to make an impact beyond their national borders. South Sudan, the world's youngest country, has faced numerous challenges since gaining independence in 2011. By choosing a renowned African designer for their Olympic apparel, the country signals its desire to be seen as part of the larger African community and to present a forward-looking image to the world.

[PHOTO: Designs by Moshions for the South Sudan Team}

The collaboration between MOSHIONS and South Sudan also raises questions about the nature of pan-African cooperation in the creative industries. As African countries increasingly look to diversify their economies and boost their cultural exports, cross-border collaborations like this one could become more common. This could lead to a more integrated African fashion scene, where talent and creativity flow freely across national boundaries.

For MOSHIONS, this Olympic moment represents both an achievement and a challenge. While it undoubtedly raises the brand's international profile, it also highlights the complex dynamics they navigate at home. The praise from abroad contrasted with the questions raised domestically illustrates the often-difficult path faced by creatives who push societal boundaries.

As the Paris Olympics continue, the outfits designed by MOSHIONS for the South Sudan team will be seen by millions. This visibility could open new doors for the brand and for Rwandan fashion in general. It may also prompt a reevaluation within Rwanda of how the country supports and promotes its fashion industry, particularly in high-profile international events.

Rwanda's teams departed from the Olympic Village to Port d'Austerlitz on the Seine for the Olympic Games opening ceremony this Friday, each country paraded on a boat.

The story of MOSHIONS and the South Sudan Olympic team serves as a reminder of the power of fashion to transcend borders, challenge perceptions, and create unexpected connections. As Africa continues to assert its place in the global fashion industry, collaborations like this may become increasingly common, reshaping the landscape of African fashion and its perception on the world stage.

THE RCFS's MEDIA