“This initiative celebrates fashion diversity, fosters cultural exchange, promotes local economies, empowers local designers, and champions sustainable practices. Bringing it to Kigali made sense as we recognize that Africa is the cradle of life, we wanted to bring it to the roots” said Corhinn Brunot Chief Executive Officer of Africa A La Mode. 

PHOTO: Logo of the Africa A La Mode

Fashion lovers in Rwanda especially those who will be around in Kigali this month of September should be ready for this. According to the organizers of the Africa A La Mode , the event will be a unique and intercultural exchange platform for local and international fashion designers to showcase their designs and creations.

“We have at least 4 international designers coming from the United States of America and a dance group coming from Haiti. Though it is our first time in Kigali putting on such a production, it is not our first rodeo putting up events of such magnitude. We expect that our first impression would exude Luxurious Culture” said Corhinn Chief Executive Officer of the Africa A La Mode.  

Jimmy Moise {Right) and Corhinn Brunot {Left), the founders of the Africa A La Mode -  PHOTO: SIMPSONS PHOTOGRAPHY

Africa A La Mode is a dynamic fashion production project that spotlights talented designers from around the world in selected African cities. Through fashion shows, designer residencies, workshops, marketplaces, and cultural events, it seeks to create a global stage for African and international fashion.

Founded by Jimmy Moise and Corhinn Brunot of NeoBo|CREATIV Magazine after creating a special edition in 2022, in honor of the Haiti Rwanda Initiative event. With over 20 years in the fashion industry, the realization of an opportunity to expand in a different continent presented itself. Subsequently introduced to Mrs. Karen Uwera founder of TALIF the Textile Apparel and Leather Investment Forum a decision was made thus Africa A La Mode was born.

Ms. Karen Uwera who is one of the founders of the Africa A la Mode, is the Managing Director of ACHIEVAZ Ltd the company organizing TALIF 2023 a first of its kind sector specific investment forum where Africa a la Mode will be an affiliate event, this year’s edition of TALIF is organized in partnership with the East African Business Council, during the event EABC will be launching the Arts and Creative platform which aims at supporting the creative industry across East Africa. Register here to participate in the TALIF 2023

PHOTO: Ms. Karen showcasing in Tokyo Africa Collection 2019, in Japan (From right In black )

Other than being in the corporate world Karen is also a Rwandan fashion designer & creative director for KARSSH Collections and the currently elected Chairperson of the Rwanda Fashion Designers Association.
Ms. Karen believes that AFRICA a la Mode will elevate the Rwandan fashion industry on the international scene as it brings along world class capacity building for fashion players like Fashion designers, models and fashion photographers who will receive training/masterclasses by experts from Italy, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Haiti.

During the interview with the RCFS’s Media, our journalist asked other questions about this unique event of the Africa A La Mode and what should fashion lovers expect.

Journalist:

• Can you tell us more about the Africa A La Mode, the Kigali edition?

“Africa A La Mode, the Kigali edition is the first of its kind. It is scheduled for 21^st September, at Kigali Cultural Village (Camp Kigali), from 6 pm. However, we hope the outcome will be spectacular. This has yet to be determined, Model castings are underway with over 100 models registered and tickets are available on our website africaalamode.com” said Corhinn Chief Executive Officer of the Africa A La Mode.  

PHOTO: Runaway Models during the casting of the Africa A La Mode, in Kigali 

PHOTO: A runway model during the casting of the Africa A La Mode, in Kigali 

Journalist:

• What is your perspective of the Rwanda Fashion Industry?

“We found that the Rwanda fashion industry is on an upward trajectory, driven by a combination of creative talent, cultural richness, and a growing interest in sustainable fashion. Why not share it with the world” said Corhinn Chief Executive Officer of the Africa A La Mode

Journalist:

• What is Africa A La Mode's uniqueness that makes it unique in fashion show event?

“Though it is our first time in Kigali putting on such production, it is not our first rodeo putting up events of such magnitude. We expect that our first impression would exude Luxurious Culture”  said Corhinn Chief Executive Officer of the Africa A La Mode

Journalist:

• Do you have designers registered already? Which countries do they come from?

“Three designers are coming from the United States and one from a neighboring country of Rwanda. We are excited about the turnout”  said Corhinn Chief Executive Officer of the Africa A La Mode

Journalist:

• What messages do you have for local fashion designers who want to participate in the fashion show? Any participation fees for them? if yes, how much?

“Of course, Local designers are welcome. Their fees would be much lower than designers coming from abroad all this information can be found on our website africaalamode.com” said Corhinn Chief Executive Officer of the Africa A La Mode

Other photos from the Africa A La Mode Model Casting 

Models from the RIFI Fashion Agency were among those who attended the casting of the Africa A La Mode

 Buy Your Ticket at https://www.africaalamode.com/

RCFS's Media