9 Years Milestone: Moses Turahirwa and His Moshions Brand Rwanda-Based

Over the past decade, Rwanda's fashion industry has emerged as one of the country's fastest-growing sectors. Among the talented designers who have transformed the landscape, Moses Turahirwa stands out with his brand Moshions, which has become a beacon of Rwandan creative excellence since its founding in 2015.

The first collection Created by Moses Turahirwa & Moshions was showcased at the Kigali Fashion Week 2015 [Photo Credit: KFW]

Born in Kibogora Village, Nyamasheke District in Western Rwanda, Turahirwa is the fourth of five siblings. His journey into fashion took an unconventional path: he initially earned an Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering from the Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre in 2016. During his studies in 2014, he was crowned Mr. Integrated Polytechnic for Kigali and went on to represent Rwanda in the Mr. Africa International pageant, marking his first foray into the fashion world.

In 2014 Moses Turahirwa was crowned Mr. IPRC Kigali [Photo Credit: RCFS]

Turahirwa's entry into fashion design began with volunteer modeling at various Kigali fashion events. His brand, Moshions, quickly gained national recognition, earning a distinguished clientele that included high-ranking government officials and notably, Rwanda's President Paul Kagame. This early success led many to view Turahirwa as one of Rwanda's most fortunate fashion entrepreneurs.

Left: Is Her Excellency Rwanda's First Lady Jeannette Kagame in 2019 wearing a collection made by Moshions, and on the right is her daughter Angel Kagame as well in the Moshions collection, and her husband [Photo Credit: KS1] 

The brand's debut collection at Kigali Fashion Week in 2015 marked the beginning of an impressive international journey. Moshions soon exhibited in Nigeria, South Africa, Namibia, and Italy, garnering attention from prestigious publications including Vogue Italia, Jeune Afrique, FashionUnited, and Africanews, as well as Rwanda's leading daily, The New Times.

As a designer with an engineering background, Turahirwa brings a unique perspective to fashion. His creations seamlessly blend traditional motifs with contemporary design, featuring fluid, gender-neutral couture pieces that celebrate Bantu culture. The brand is known for its use of premium sustainable textiles, recycled cow horns, and botanical dyes. This innovative approach earned Turahirwa the prestigious Designer of the Year award for Africa at the 2022 Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards.

In 2022 Turahirwa won the Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards [Photo Credit: NT]

"The more creative memories we forge today, the stronger and more vibrant Rwanda's creative scene will be in the future," Turahirwa stated in a recent interview with Whitewall.art. This vision drives his mission to promote thoughtful, slow fashion through Moshions.

In 2021, Turahirwa enhanced his credentials by earning a Master's degree in Collection Design from the prestigious Polimoda Fashion School in Italy. This academic achievement marked a turning point for both the designer and his brand. Post-graduation, Moshions became an essential stop for visitors to Rwanda, including diplomatic dignitaries and heads of state.

Many tourists used to and still  buy from Moshions [Photo Credit: KS1]

The brand has achieved significant international recognition, showcasing at renowned platforms such as Pitti Immagine Uomo and Milan Fashion Week. A signature Moshions cardigan is now permanently housed at London's Victoria and Albert Museum, while the brand continues to feature in influential fashion publications like NSS and Business of Fashion.

A significant development in the brand's evolution is Kwanda Season 1, Moshions' creative hub, which is celebrating its second anniversary this year. The hub has become a cultural centerpiece, hosting fashion shows, tourist experiences, and new collection launches.

Inside Kwanda Hub in Kigali City [Photo Credit: KS1]

Turahirwa's journey hasn't been without challenges. In 2023, he faced personal and legal difficulties, including an arrest related to passport irregularities. During this period, he also made headlines for publicly discussing his personal identity and relationships, demonstrating transparency with his audience despite potential controversy in a conservative society.

Turahirwa Moses in a Court in Kigali in 2023 [Photo Credit: IGIHE]

ALSO READ: Kwanda Season 1 and Moshions: Inzozi Fashion Experience 2024 in the Heart of the Forest

Currently, Turahirwa is focused on his latest collection and project, "Inzozi" (Dreams in Kinyarwanda). This initiative represents not just a fashion collection but embodies his broader vision for the future of African luxury fashion.

The latest collection of October 2024 made by Moshions in the Inzozi project [Photo Credit: KS1]

Throughout his nine-year journey, Turahirwa has consistently demonstrated the power of combining cultural heritage with contemporary design. His work as a Creative Educator at Future Learn, teaching a course on luxury fashion and identity, further cements his role as a thought leader in the industry.

Moshions has evolved from a local fashion brand into a global cultural ambassador for Rwanda, showcasing how traditional aesthetics can be reimagined for the modern world. Through innovative design, meticulous craftsmanship, and manual printing techniques, the brand continues to celebrate African narratives on the global stage.

The latest collection of October 2024 made by Moshions in the Inzozi project [Photo Credit: KS1]

As Moshions enters its tenth year, Turahirwa's vision for African luxury fashion continues to expand, proving that Rwanda can compete on the international fashion stage while maintaining its unique cultural identity. His journey exemplifies how passion, creativity, and cultural pride can transform not just a brand, but an entire industry's perspective on African fashion.

The latest collection of October 2024 made by Moshions in the Inzozi project [Photo Credit: KS1]

By Fashion Trends Africa/RCFS