Tanga Designs Wins Best Dressed Male at The Silver Gala 2024: Interview with CEO Olivier Niyitanga

Tanga Designs has become a household name among fashion enthusiasts, renowned for creating unique clothing for both men and women. The brand's Tanga Bridal line, in particular, has gained recognition for its stunning wedding dresses and high-class collections designed for special events such as dinners and corporate gatherings.

Third from left is Olivier Niyitanga, CEO and Creative Designer at Tanga Designs holding his award of the Best Dressed Male of the Silver Gala 2024 [Photo Credit: Inyarwanda]

At The Silver Gala 2024, held at the Kigali Convention Center, Tanga Designs was awarded the title of Best Dressed Male. As CEO and creative designer Olivier Niyitanga, known simply as "Tanga," took to the stage, attendees were captivated by both his work and his striking outfit. Fashion Trends Africa by RCFS's MEDIA sat down with Tanga to discuss this achievement and his perspectives on the fashion industry.

 The outfit worn by Tanga the CEO and Creative designer at Tanga Designs during The Silver Gala 2024 raised emotions among fashion enthusiasts and Kigalians [Photo: Inyarwanda]

Q: What inspired your choice of a black and white suit for the event?

A: The decision to wear black and white, including the veil, was a deliberate choice to represent our brand. Our logo features these colors, and I wanted to embody the limitless nature of Tanga Bridal.

Q: Can you tell us about the specific design that won you the award?

A: The winning look was a culmination of our Tanga Bridal style, a theme that my team and I had been developing. It represents the essence of our brand's aesthetic and innovation.

Q: How would you define a "fashion enthusiast"?

A: To me, a fashion enthusiast is someone who genuinely loves and supports fashion unconditionally. It's not just about attending fashion shows; it's a lifestyle that permeates every aspect of one's being – from how you talk to how you walk. True fashion enthusiasts should be there to show their support for designers and the industry as a whole.

Q: How did winning the award at The Silver Gala 2024 make you feel, and what's next for Tanga Designs?

A: Receiving this award brought me back to the day I entered the fashion industry when I won "Best Fashion Designer" at Kigali Fashion Week. It's moments like these that continue to motivate me and remind me never to give up. Looking ahead, we're committed to creating more unique collections. I'm currently working on our new TANGA SS24 collection, aiming to inspire other fashion lovers and supporters.

Q: What are your thoughts on The Silver Gala 2024's collaboration with local fashion designers?

A: The Silver Gala 2024 provided a fantastic opportunity for young and upcoming designers to showcase their talents. As an established designer, it meant a lot to me to demonstrate confidence on stage and still win, setting an example for the younger generation. I'm grateful to Sherrie Silver and her team for organizing such an amazing show. Collaboration is key in our industry, and we're eagerly anticipating next year's edition.

Q: How did you perceive the creations of other designers at the event?

A: I was impressed by everyone's looks and the effort they put into their collections for this event. The confidence each designer displayed behind their work was admirable. I felt a great sense of support from my peers when I took the stage to receive the award for Best Dressed Male, which means a lot to me and my team.

Q: What set Tanga Designs apart from other showcased designers?

A: While all designers brought their best to the event, what set us apart was our concept inspired by Sherrie Silver's dress, which we designed for her. It featured silver embellishment details and truly embodied the spirit of the show. Additionally, the outfit I wore as the creative director was conceptually aligned and showcased with confidence and elegance on stage.

 A dress made by Tanga Designs for the international dancer and choreographer Sherrie Silver during The Silver Gala 2024 in Kigali [Photo Credit: The New Times] 

ALSO READ: Who Was the Most Fashionable at the Silver Gala 2024 in Kigali?

Tanga Designs has participated in numerous high-profile fashion shows, and Olivier's dream is to continue his work while inspiring other young and upcoming fashion designers. "I am thrilled to be an inspiration to emerging designers, not only in Rwanda but across Africa," he says. "I encourage them to embrace their creativity and strive for uniqueness in their designs."

A dress made by Tanga Designs for Sherrie Silver, MTV VMA Award winning choreographer [Photo Credit: The New Times] 

 Tanga Designs continues to make waves in the fashion industry, it's clear that Olivier Niyitanga's vision and talent will keep pushing boundaries and inspiring the next generation of African designers.

 Sherrie Silver's dress made by Tanga is unique and its creativity amazed the audience during - The Silver Gala 2024 in Kigali [Photo Credit: The New Times] 

Other photos of the Dresses designed and made  by Tanga Designs

ALSO READ: Top 10 Dresses That Raised Emotions at the Silver Gala 2024: A Night of Glamour, Entertainment, and Impact

Fashion Trends Africa by RCFS