Asantii Welcomes Spouses of FIA Members, Showcasing Latest Collections

Last week, the Asantii fashion house hosted a breakfast event in Kigali, welcoming the spouses of FIA members as part of the Visit Rwanda Experience. The morning began with a tour of the brand's atelier at Kimihurura, where guests witnessed the intricate craftsmanship behind each piece. Visitors also explored the on-site nursery, which supports Asantii's workers and their families.

 The spouses of FIA members arriving at the Asantii's atelier at Kimihurura in Kigali [Photo Credit: Asantii]

The event's highlight was a special runway show showcasing Asantii's iconic designs. The fashion house expressed gratitude to all those who made the event possible. "A special thank you to Rwanda Events Group, Rwanda Convention Bureau, the Ministry of Youth, the Rwanda Automobile Club, and our talented stylist Rocky Try for making this event possible," Asantii stated.

The spouses of FIA members enjoying the show by Asantii [Photo Credit: Asantii]

Asantii is a contemporary womenswear brand that celebrates African heritage and artisanship through joyful and effortless fashion. Proudly designed, conscientiously sourced, and beautifully made across the continent, the brand has established a global presence with shops in Lagos, Nigeria; Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire; Lasne, Belgium; Accra, Ghana; and Kigali, Rwanda.

The spouses of FIA members enjoying the show by Asantii [Photo Credit: Asantii]

The year 2024 marks an exciting milestone for Asantii. The Founder & CEO, Maryse Mbonyumutwa, has been named to The Business of Fashion's (BoF) 500 Class of 2024. This prestigious index, which celebrates the most influential people shaping the global fashion industry, has for the first time included a representative from Rwanda.

Inside the Asantii's atelier at Kimihurura in Kigali [Photo Credit: Asantii]

The BoF 500 honors leaders driving innovation, creativity, and sustainable change worldwide. Maryse joined an impressive lineup of global fashion industry figures, including Thomas Plantenga, Chief Executive of Vinted Group; Aya Nakamura, the French singer; and Chemena Kamali, Creative Director of Chloé.

Several other African fashion innovators were also included in the BoF 500 Class of 2024, such as Laduma Ngxokolo, Designer of MAXHOSA AFRICA; Wandia Gichuru, Kenyan entrepreneur and Founder of Vivo Fashion Group; and Tyla, the South African singer and songwriter.

The spouses of FIA members enjoying the show by Asantii [Photo Credit: Asantii]

The event took place against the backdrop of another significant occasion – the FIA Awards. Held for the first time on the African continent in Kigali, Rwanda, on December 13, the awards celebrated champions and legends from the world of motorsport. The event was graced by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, at the BK Arena.

The FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, at the BK Arena [Photo Credit: NT]

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem welcomed the evening's guests, stating, "Here in Kigali, we have shone a light on members of our motorsport family whose commitment, spirit, and endeavor are at the heart of our sport, and we look to the champions of the future, those just beginning their careers and enjoying their first taste of success."

Inside the Asantii's atelier at Kimihurura in Kigali [Photo Credit: Asantii]

Inside the Asantii's atelier at Kimihurura in Kigali [Photo Credit: Asantii]

Fashion Trends Africa by RCFS