A model hits the runway during at Rwanda Cultural Fashion show back in September. Photos: File.

Made-in-Rwanda remains the common motto for local fashion designers and creativity has been at the heart of their collections, which continue to challenge the international market in the world of fashion.

The fashion fraternity still mourns top model Alexia Mupende who passed on in January last year but the industry has been quite impressive over the past twelve months as proved through the following events:

Kigali Fashion Week marks 10-year anniversary 

Alhough the journey has been an uphill struggle for Rwanda’s fashion industry over the past ten years, local models and fashion designers had reason to celebrate their incredible rise, thanks to Kigali Fashion Week.

It is through the annual fashion show that a number of renowned models like Mister Africa 2017, Jean de Dieu Ntabangayimana, aka Jay Rwanda, and Moses Turahirwa, who now owns Moshions, found their potential in fashion and modeling. To date, the annual event continues to introduce new talents to the fast-rising world of fashion in Rwanda.

During its 10th anniversary, a number of new faces in modeling field were given a chance to headline the runways dressed in well-decorated designs from local and international designers in an impressive style.

Debut Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Kigali

The Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, in June last year, kicked off their debut show in Kigali on a high note.

The Mercedes-sponsored two-day fashion event was like no other, having attracted some of the arguably best fashion designers on the continent, and beyond, including prominent South African fashion guru George Malelu, whose style legacy in South Africa and beyond earned him huge deals with renowned celebrities, like American Pop singer Beyoncé Knowles.

Other established designers from Burundi, Belgium, USA, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, Canada, Uganda, Kenya, England and the host nation Rwanda were invited to showcase their finest fashion collections at the fashion show. 

The first edition of Mercedes Benz Fashion show was a successful one in Kigali as designers from across the globe exhibited their work.

Credits go to Danny Ndayishimiye, a fashion events coordinator, who brought the fashion event to Kigali, to make it become the second city to host Mercedes Benz Fashion Week after Accra, Ghana. The two are the only African cities hosting the coveted fashion event.

Other cities that host the Mercedes-sponsored event include Istanbul (Turkey), Brisbane (Australia), Mexico, Malaysia and Tbilisi (Georgia) among others.

Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show

The seventh edition of Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show (RCFS)  simply proved to be where traditional and modern fashion meet. The annual fashion event organizer, Celestin Ntawirema, masterminded a traditional-modern fashion mix with a purpose to create original African wear.

The event has always been there to provide an inclusive and supportive platform dedicated to emerging and established designers and models, with a touch of the Rwandan and African culture, linking up local and international fashion designers in a bid to open up new opportunities.

The designs showcased at the show were varied from animal print cultural sense of style, “Inshabure”-Rwandan antique clothing style, to “kitenge” African print to ensure cultural diversity was embraced throughout the show.

It may have coincided with American singer Ne-Yo’s performance at Kwita Izina live concert in Kigali but the show did not fail to impress.

Rwanda Modesty Fashion show

There is one thing that makes Rwanda Modesty Fashion look unique: dressing up in line with respecting culture, hence all the collections, showcased at the fourth edition of the show in December, were locally made, and proved that the true beauty of a Rwandan lies in dressing up properly and decently.

The future of the annual fashion show, which is mainly organized to promote Rwanda’s cultural values through fashion, looks promising given that organisers of the event are focusing on giving respect Rwandan culture deserves.

Rwanda Fashion Week

If more fashion events perform the way Rwanda Fashion currently does, Rwanda could, sooner than later, find itself in a good position to become a potential fashion destination in Africa.

Formerly, CollectiveRw Fashion Week, the annual fashion event is organised by CollectiveRW, and aims at strengthening, promoting and developing Rwanda’s fashion industry by fostering talent, originality and representation locally, as well as on the African content and abroad.

CollectiveRw’s members Sonia Mugabo, Moses Turahirwa of Moshions, House of Tayo, Haute Baso, Uzi Collections were among the top designers who showcased collections of creative couture alongside established international designers  which impressed the audience that included some members of the First Family.

A model on a runway during a past Rwanda Fashion Week-File

Designer Sonia Mugabo showcases her designs at a past Rwanda Fashion Week event in May. File

James and Daniella won the Best upcoming gospel stars award

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Touch Of Rwanda Fashion Designs Ltd was foundered by Shema Charlotte a creative designer. It is based in Rwanda, Kigali, Kacyiru. Her brand had registered in January 2018 and started a month after, now it’s been almost 6 months. The company is growing, with a shop and a workshop. It offers different services as “to be able to buy the ready-to-wear and they are already made by different sizes and different materials.

The company's clients are able to choose the size and colors of their choice. Shema and her company had been offering services in tailoring and clothes to different people both men and women and kids. Shema’s main styles are smart casual, an outfit that can be worn at the office, every day and evening for some occasions. She also designs and does accessories such as bags, bed covers, napkins, pillowcases and some materials to use in home decor.

All rights reserved with the usage of these photos by IRIS PRO-FILMS 1000 HILLS 

Over the weekend, there were quite a number of activities on the social scene, but the two main events were the Kwita Izina concert, and the Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show (RCFS) 2019.

The 7th edition of the cultural fashion show had been highly anticipated for it had promised to be bigger and better. The annual show is still daring to link up local and international fashion designers in bid to open up new opportunities.

As promised, indeed the three day fashion show lived up to expectations, bringing together fashion enthusiasts with the climax show on Saturday at KBC proving that when traditional is fused with modernity, the outcome can be amazing.

Kigali Business Centre was the place to be for fashion lovers and the show didn’t not disappoint, as designers from the East African region exhibited their work. Emmanuel Kwizera

The show aims to provide an inclusive and supportive platform dedicated to emerging and established designers and models, with a touch of the Rwandan and African culture.

Models during the 7th edition of the annual cultural fashion series showcasing Rwanda's cultural fashion diversity. Emmanuel Kwizera

As acknowledged by one of the models, Étienne Dusengimana, the show was an opportunity for upcoming local designers such Keza Boutique and Sandra design, naming but a few of the participants, to showcase their talents alongside some already established names like Shema Fashioand Makeke.

The model said the fashion show was an opportunity to try and pin their names on the map of fashion industry.

“This year’s edition was different. It featured a lot of local designers as opposed to the previous editions”, Dusengimana noted. “It is thus an opportunity for the local designers to share the same carpet with their more exposed peers,” he added.

Cultural aspect

From the distinct, wild-animal-ish afro cultural sense of style, “inshabure”-Rwandan antique clothing style, to “kitenge” African print, cultural diversity was embraced throughout the show.

As mentioned by Celestin Ntawirema, the organised of the show, the purpose is to fuse traditional fashion with modern fashion, to create original African wear.

“This event not only promotes Rwandan culture but also embraces other African culture as portrayed by some of the designers like Makeke,” Ntawirema said.

With untamed choreographies, Makeke Jocktan, a Tanzanian fashion designer, showcased African culture in a savage play-like manner.

Miss Heritage Rwanda 2019, Ricca Michaella Kabahenda, who also graced the fashion show, said that through events like RCFS, Rwandans are able to learn more about their culture and its connection to fashion, urging the youth to be part of such activities.

“Such an event has some educative aspects on our culture, but it also teaches us about other cultures from across Africa and how they view fashion,” she added.

Moshions is one of Rwanda’s leading fashion houses. Established in 2015, Moshions is an elegant culturally inspired brand, sought after by insightful African and global customers looking for a distinctive world-class taste.

From 2015, Moshions has moved Rwanda’s fashion platform with top-class creations for men. By popular demand, it included womenswear; diversifying taste and elegance to reach enthusiasts from around the world. The made-to-last outfits are bold, unique, and wearable at almost every occasion. From informal to formal festivities.

Over the years, the brand’s philosophy has been to explore Rwanda’s fashion potential and embolden culture. A skilled team fuses the cultural symbols with contemporary creations; unfolding the beauty of heritage and subscribing to latest trends. Every design is created responsibly to minimise impacts on the environment and celebrate sustainable fashion.

Moshions is proudly contributing to the Made in Rwanda movement. The brand participates in local production with infinite creativity and untamed aptitude, for the world to vibe along.

Our rapidly growing fashion house has headlined and participated in fashion shows across the continent: Windhoek Fashion Week, Tribal Chic, Collective Rwanda Fashion Week, Swahili Fashion Week, to name a few.

Moshions is in motion. It’s moving forward and winning hearts – one outfit at a moment.

Meet the Founder

From Hobby to Profession

“It’s funny when I think about how I got here. Here, in the fashion industry. I hold a degree in Water and Sanitation Engineering. We can both agree that it has nothing to do with fashion design.

When in university, I walked up to doorsteps of the class with a sound conviction that every session had little to do with my dream career. Never had I imagined fixing people’s problems with a pair of pliers or spanners. My vision lingered in realms of fashion. My passion and whims to pursue this vision fired up everyday into flames no one could put out. I now create solutions with a pair of scissors.

Growing up, I was surrounded by effervescent tailors from my family. I observed as their ingenious and textured subsequently come alive on the production table. My mother joined in as she exercised her mastery of knitting woolen tablecloths and sofa covers. It was so fulfilling to watch. The grit, the ken, and the fun of men and women whose creativity was not confined in a small room they operated in.

Though I had a little chance to play on their sewing machines, I was no stranger to the rhythm of stitches on fabrics; needles on apparels; hot charcoal iron on finished pieces. Not to mention their glances on posters with African models in famous kitenge designs for reference. It was an arduous but satisfying process. A whole vibe.

As time flew by, there’s something my family seemed to have passed on to me. Something I strongly resonated with: Creativity.

In 2015, it was undeniably evident that creativity had become a companion. It sent me to places of discovery, even self-discovery. It helped me rewrite style concepts in Rwanda through a wide range of categories: Bespoke, made-to-measure, ready-to-wear, and cultural designs. Creativity set Moshions in motion, and became its time-machine. A time-machine that reintroduces Rwanda’s cultural accents and plugs it to the contemporary world; building a timeless embrace of class and shared heritage.

At Moshions, we take time to make every customer experience the best of the fashion world. We exchange ideas with openness, respect, and crisp attention to details. We’re not just passionate about making clothes; we envision building a legacy that celebrates each identity. Every collection mirrors Africa’s resplendence and honors enthusiasts from around the world.

I have been part of this industry for quite a long time. I watched it grow into the unshakable empire it is now. Being part of such a promising paradigm makes me dream and work hard. I’m grateful for available opportunities. It’s my wish to inspire generations to unleash their abilities irrespective of their backgrounds.

To me, every minute is a resounding chance to have a solid impact on the state of fashion. I owe it to you and my family.” – Moise Turahirwa.

Local and international fashion enthusiasts will soon be in for a treat as Rwanda Cultural Fashion show returns, bigger and better.  

Now in its 7th edition, the annual show will take place from September 5-7 and is expected to attract different players in the fashion industry for the multi-faceted event. 

Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, Ghana and Nigeria are among the countries that have been invited to the three-day event.

The schedule will include different activities such as a fashion tour, the annual fashion show and the first ever conference, where ideas and suggestions will be shared in order to promote the fashion industry in the country and continent. 

The conference will put emphasis on educating and inspiring conversations about evolutions within the fashion industry and developments in regards to culture and sustainability in fashion, showcase local and international fashion designs from the different African countries as well as strategically support and strengthen sustainable fashion, creative business development in textiles and manufacturing industries in the country. 

This, according to organisers will create a platform for fashion designers, clients, government officials, and the private sector, among others to discuss ways to make the Made in Rwanda campaign a success. 

Celestin Ntawirema, CEO of Iris Pro Films the company that owns and manages the annual event, said that the activities will make the event memorable and different from all the others that have happened before, as it will ensure learning and showcasing skills. 

The Kigali Fashion Tour will happen on the first day, starting from Kigali Business Center (KBC) from 9am to 2pm and will include a visit to one of the textile industries in the city, to teach participants more about the Made in Rwanda business through networking with the designers of the apparel.

The Fashion Conference will take place the following day, under the theme ‘’Designed in Africa, Made in Rwanda’’, from 9am to 4pm at Chez Lando, while the last day of the event will see both local and international designers showcase their collections at the Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show, from 6pm-10pm at KBC. 

Launched in 2012, the show is intended to celebrate designers from Rwanda and others from the East African region that use material from the African continent, as well as strive to preserve the African culture. 

Tickets to the different venues will go for Rwf10, 000, Rwf25, 000 and Rwf100, 000 for the Ordinary, Silver and a table, respectively. 

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Held once a year, The Ugandan Culture Fashion Showcase is a special presentation of the Ugandan Authentic Designs by the Ugandan Designers at the Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show. There are series of events which normally last for 3 days; these include a Fashion Tour, Fashion Conference and a Fashion Show. Initiated by Kwillz Fraternity Ug Ltd, The Ugandan Culture Fashion Showcase (TUCFS) will be one of the Uganda’s largest Diaspora fashion events promoting and grooming Ugandan-inspired designs. TUCFS is committed to creating a platform for Uganda and Ugandan inspired designers that not only showcases them to an international market, but also supports them in building a sustainable business that is globally recognized and promotes social change in Africa.  This Year, the Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show is to take place from 5-7 Sept at Kigali Business Centre, several Designers, Models, and other Fashion Experts across the region are expected to be part of the event.

Ugandan Fashion Gurus to make a Special Debut at the Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show with a special presentation Dubbed as The Ugandan Culture Fashion Showcase. Held once a year, The Ugandan Culture Fashion Showcase is a special presentation of the Ugandan Authentic Designs by the Ugandan Designers at the Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show. There are series of events which normally last for 3 days; these include a Fashion Tour, Fashion Conference and a Fashion Show. Initiated by Kwillz Fraternity Ug Ltd, The Ugandan Culture Fashion Showcase (TUCFS) will be one of the Uganda’s largest Diaspora fashion events promoting and grooming Ugandan-inspired designs. Glonex Designz Collections and Chris Fashions are the only this year’s chosen Designers to represent Uganda under the TUCFS Umbrella. This Year, the Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show is to take place from 5-7 Sept at Kigali Business Centre, several Designers, Models, and other Fashion Experts across the region are expected to be part of the event.

Hakizizimana Augustin is a Rwandan artist currently based in Japan and the brain child behind the Agasozi Clothing line, the self taught visual artist founded Agasozi in 2013 as community development project which now works with different organizations spread all over Rwanda . Agasozi fashion house creates beautiful traditional clothing for the stylish individual which are unique and inspired by a desire to showcase ancient African sophistication, style and flavor but through a modern contemporary yet locally –made clothing line. The Agasozi clothing fashion wear is locally homemade and completely utilizes African textiles and fabrics.

Agasozi fashion wear comprises colorful and luxurious collections and has expanded into other products such as custom Handbags which redefine the idea using old techniques that embrace the regional fabric and who we are as  people and culture . Agasozi fashion wear as a brand continues to turn  heads ,with Its extremely modern style that blends simplicity yet remains Classy. If you are looking for bold designs that offer rich African heritage with a sleek twist then consider the Agasozi Fashion collection ,a perfect and stunning way to experience Fashion. Agasozi clothing line fuses ancient materials like the bark clothOr inshabure which also reflects our ancestors styles depicting How kings and queens would dress The clothing line is a tribute to our Rwandan heritage. Hakizimana is among the pioneer fashion designer’s show case His collections at the Rwanda  fashion show during it’s inception edition and continues to feature in the annual fashion event

Hakizizimana Augustin , founder of Aagasozi Arts Center posing front of his piece