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

Across Africa, established fashion designers and brands are pushing creative boundaries like never before. From crafting unique garments to setting up innovative studios, organizing captivating photoshoots, and staging self-produced fashion shows to promote new collections, the continent's fashion scene is thriving with innovation.

Inside Moshions' shop in Kigali [Photo Credit: KS1]

In Rwanda, Moshions stands out as a prime example of this creative renaissance. The brand has garnered attention not only for its collections but also for its distinctive presentation style, particularly in organizing fashion shows. While it typically takes years for an emerging designer to style a country's first family, Moshions' founder, Turahirwa Moses, achieved this feat relatively quickly through creativity and hard work.

The brand Moshions is well known in Rwanda and many people buy from here including government officials [Photo Credit: KS1]

To understand the story better, it's crucial to distinguish between Moshions and Kwanda Season 1. Moshions is the brand name of the company, while Kwanda Season 1 is a concept created by the designer behind the brand, Turahirwa Moses.

Moses Turahirwa founder and Creative Designer at Moshions [Photo Credit" KS1]

ALSO READ: Moshions in Italy: A Journey of Self-Discovery

The emergence of the Kwanda Season 1 concept generated significant buzz in Rwanda, as Turahirwa was already well-known across various social strata. However, this new persona led many to question the relationship between Kwanda and Turahirwa's identity. 

In the photo second from left is Mr. Turahirwa in backstage during the preparation of the Inzozi Fashion Experience 2024 in Italy [Photo Credit: KS1]

Turahirwa himself narrated the origin of Kwanda Season 1 in a film: "Let's focus, it's time to start observing again. What are we looking for? I looked at the past and got inspired. I looked at nature, and it embraced me. I looked at the future and saw myself. I am the past, I am nature, I am the future. The new era has finally arrived, Kwanda Season 1."

2024 Collection made by Moshins [Photo Credit: KS1]

During this period, Turahirwa faced public scrutiny when videos surfaced suggesting he had been sexually assaulted in Italy. In an interview with local media in Kigali, he addressed the incident, confirming the assault. Additionally, Turahirwa was arrested on charges of altering his sex designation from "Male" to "Female" in his Rwandan passport and for alleged use of marijuana, which is illegal in Rwanda.

From right in the black jacket is Mr. Turahirwa founder of Moshions and his lawyer in Kigali Court 2023 [Photo Credit: Inyarwanda]

Moshions' studio and fashion shop are located in Kiyovu cy'Abakire, one of Kigali's most upscale neighborhoods. The rapid rise of the brand led to speculation about its funding sources, with some suggesting the involvement of a silent partner.

ALSO READ: Where is the brand Moshions Now? New Collection released "ISHURI RIRAKOMEJE"

Recently, Moshions organized a fashion show in Italy titled "Inzozi Fashion Experience 2024." The word "Inzozi," meaning "dreams" in Kinyarwanda, encapsulates the aspirations and beauty of the Rwandan people. This unique event celebrated African art, fashion, music, and cuisine.

Models on the runway during the Inzozi Fashion Experience 2024, in Italy [Photo Credit: KS1]

The show's forest setting and accompanying music were praised, but some fashion enthusiasts noted that the setup could have incorporated more fashionable elements to better showcase the new collection. Critics also pointed out that the quality of images shared on social media didn't meet professional standards for a high-profile fashion event.

Models on the runway during the Inzozi Fashion Experience 2024, in Italy [Photo Credit: KS1]

Despite these critiques, Moshions continues to push boundaries in African fashion. Turahirwa's studio in Kigali, featuring volcanic stones as decor, exemplifies his commitment to blending cultural elements with contemporary design.

Models and stylists  in backstage during the Inzozi Fashion Experience 2024, in Italy [Photo Credit: KS1]

Kwanda Season 1 continues to evolve and Moshions continues to grow, the fashion world eagerly anticipates what Kwanda Season 2 might bring. The journey of Turahirwa Moses and his brand illustrates the dynamic and sometimes controversial nature of the fashion industry, particularly in the context of emerging African designers making their mark on the global stage.

Models on the runway during the Inzozi Fashion Experience 2024, in Italy [Photo Credit: KS1]

Models on the runway during the Inzozi Fashion Experience 2024, in Italy [Photo Credit: KS1]

Models on the runway during the Inzozi Fashion Experience 2024, in Italy [Photo Credit: KS1]

Models on the runway during the Inzozi Fashion Experience 2024, in Italy [Photo Credit: KS1]

Moses Turahirwa  on the runway during the Inzozi Fashion Experience 2024, in Italy [Photo Credit: KS1]

 Fashion Trends Africa by RCFS