Teamwork as a tool toward Success: Rwanda Fashion Models Union Official Launch 

PHOTO 2015: Rwanda Modesl at the Hotel des Milles Collines in Kigali

It is now confirmed that Sunday, 26 March 2023, from 6pm is the official launch of this newborn organization the RFMU. This organization is expected to bring solutions to support modeling industry in Rwanda which is already struggling with no jobs and no respect according to RFMU. The RFMU is a non-government organization founded by Kabano Franco in collaboration with other models with a primary mission of working with models and Agencies to help them in Advocacy, Education, and Promotion. The organization was founded in partnership with Rwanda Arts Council (RAC), and it has other partners such as Berwa Rwanda Federation, Tarama Rwanda, Supra family, pax press, brilliant Africa entertainment, etc. 

Franco Kabano is the founder of the Rwanda Fashion Models Union, and he is the CEO & Founder of the Webest Models Management

 Even though Mr Franco contributed a lot to establish this organization, later on, he resigned from being the Legal Representative of the RFMU. He was replaced by Mr Mutabazi Ally who came when the models were having conflicts related to who should be the leader of the union. Mutabazi was elected as the Legal Representative of the RFMU.  According to Mutabazi, they have everything now and it is time to support modelling as well as modeling agencies across the country. 

Ally Mutabazi  is the CEO & Founder of Rwanda Modeling Academy 

Putting models and agencies together as one is the key to future progress because the modeling industry requires hardworking, connections and performance moreover the modeling industry of Rwanda targets international agencies which require hand-to-hand support to get there. “We all want you (Models) to be treated with respect at work, get paid well, and be protected with legal support if anything goes wrong" according to RFMU. 

Logo of RFMU

The RFMU believes that models need a voice and need to be heard in their modeling career " Models are too often expected to be seen but not heard. We believe that workers are always stronger together, and our Models Network gives models a collective voice to make sure their views are heard by politicians, the industry and the media. Rwanda Fashion Models Union regularly give evidence to government and parliamentary inquiries and are consulted by the media and industry bodies on a wide range of subjects" by RFMU

Female Model during the RCFS casting 

According to the RFMU Sexual Harassment is also an issue that the organization will deal with" following the recent media coverage of sexual assault and harassment in the fashion industry, RFMU wants to reiterate that the union is here for models should they have any concerns regarding their treatment in the workplace. Sexual harassment at work is not acceptable. Models deserve to be treated with the same respect as other workers and RFMU will continue to challenge employers who abuse them. The union recognises that individuals may not report harassment because they fear losing work. Every model should be reassured that they can talk to the union in complete confidence. RFMU officials are experienced in dealing directly with employers on these issues and will act on behalf of members who have experienced inappropriate behaviour at work" by RFMU 

Female -Kid Model during the RCFS casting

On March 12th, 2023, Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show (RCFS) signed a partnership agreement with Rwanda Fashion Models Union (RFMU). The Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show is putting much effort into joining forces with all stakeholders in the Rwanda Fashion Industry to reinforce the collaboration between agencies and work together to recover from Covid-19’s impacts on this fashion industry. Rwanda Fashion Models Union’s partnership comes after that of Rwanda Modesty Fashion Show, Ri Kon Finest Fashion Agency, Tarama Rwanda, and UNO Fashion Agency. RCFS believes that collaboration is a bridge toward the development of the Rwanda Fashion Industry. The RCFS will keep investing more in working with all fashion beneficiaries to boost creativity and innovation overall in the fashion industry.  

Moniah Uwimbabazi the Assitanct and Operation Manager  at the RCFS,  Between the CEO & Founder of the Tarama Rwanda Initiative and CEO & Founder Uno Fashion Agency after signing MOU 

The RFMU and its partners, RCFS included, are organizing the official launch scheduled on March 26 2023 from 6pm, in Kigali city, at Century Park Hotel- Chillax, in Nyarutarama. It will be the best opportunity to let everyone know its existance and mission. The head of the RFMU said that the entrance is for booking as they have limited numbers and due to the space prepared to host the event. Read more about the RMFU.

Shortly, the RFCS alone can’t develop the Rwanda Fashion Industry and put it o the worldwide standard. However, working with others in this industry will add value to the culture, fashion, and entertainment. Though the signed agreement has some timelines, RCFS wishes to keep working with fashion agencies and models unions until the fashion industry is recognized, appreciated, and known.

Female Model during the RCFS casting

The model shares his ideas on what to be done for the development of modelling during the conference  

Models participate in different government activities. In the photo, models were on a walk to remember the victims who were killed during the Tutsi Genocide of 1994

By Florence Niyigena:  Click here to visit the RFMU's website 

RCFS WEBINAR:  COLLABORATION IS A KEY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FASHION INDUSTRY IN RWANDA

• OVERVIEW

Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show (RCFS) is a forum for local and international fashion designers to showcase their designs. Celestin Ntawirema founded RCFS in 2013. The RCFS will on March 30, hold a virtual conference during which players in the fashion industry will discuss the current state of the Rwandan fashion industry and will discuss the collaboration between fashion stakeholders.

February 28, 2023, from 10am to 1pm, RCFS hosted an open webinar on the future of the fashion industry in Rwanda. Guests’ speakers included the president of the Berwa Rwanda Federation (fashion &beauty), Ms. Dukuzumuremyi Marie Chantal, president of Rwanda Designers Association, Ms Karen Uwera, Mr Eddie Nsabimana, a journalist at The New Times, president of Rwanda Fashion Models Union (RFMU), Mr Willy Mutabazi, Franco Kabano, CEO & Founder Webest Models Management, different media journalists and fashion stakeholders in general.  During the discussion, the words “uniqueness” “quality” and “Collaboration” came back many times which caught our tension to prepare another webinar about how collaboration among fashion stakeholders can be a key to the development of the Rwanda fashion industry.  

The webinar will bring together different stakeholders of the fashion industry to share experiences and discuss how private and public institutions can support Rwanda’s growing fashion industry. The webinar will include discussions which will be in the form of a series of a thought-provoking panel.

 Keynote speakers of the event will include renowned fashion designers, fashion promoters, modeling agencies, experts in textiles, and some government representatives from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Private Sector Federation (PSF), Ministry of Youth and Culture (MYCULTURE), Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA), Rwanda Arts Council (RAC) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM).

• OBJECTIVES

• To establish collaboration between fashion stakeholders in Rwanda
• To strengthen communication between institutions that support the arts and creative industry specifically the fashion sector
• To put together people in the fashion industry and promote new talents and help them to have access to the platform which can guide them toward their dreams.
• To create a space for developing and exploring creativity in designing clothes, new styles, and forms.
• Purpose

To reinforce the collaboration between fashion agencies in the Rwandan fashion industry and work together to recover from Covid-19’s impacts on this fashion industry.

• Events Details

Where: Zoom App

Date: Thursday, 30th March, 2023

Time: 10am to 12:30pm

• BACKGROUND FASHION AND MODELING AGENCIES IN RWANDA

PHOTO: Models with fashion designers at the Chez Lando hotel after a 1-day conference organized by the RCFS in partnership with the Rwanda Academy of Language and Culture (RALC) and Private Sector Federation (PSF) in 2020

The Rwanda Fashion Industry has been through different ups and downs, but it kept developing because fashion is part of our culture and who we are. It was a long way to go, and many thanks to the fashion agencies in collaboration with public institutions who made it possible and put more effort to fashion fun and memories. Through various events like Kwita Izina Ceremony and the Visit Rwanda campaign, we have seen different superstars purchasing products from local designers that make the Rwandan flag stand in Western countries. It is fifteen years now when Rwandan entrepreneurs continue to invest in Fashion and Modeling businesses.

PHOTO: Models and fashion designers at UTEXIRWA with the RCFS team after the Kigali Fashion Tour   2020 organized by the RCFS in partnership with SAMSUNG 4G –Rwanda and UTEXIRWA LTD

Rwanda is doing its best to promote locally-made products like other African countries. The government continues to develop the business sector by encouraging entrepreneurs to promote made-in-Rwanda products in fashion, modeling, and textiles. 

PHOTO: Models at the Hotel des Milles Collines showcasing Fathia Creations at the RCFS 2015, 3^rd Edition

In 15 years ago, many things happened in the Rwanda fashion industry. For example, we have more than 20 known and established fashion designers. We also have more than ten (10) modeling agencies; more than five (5) textiles and manufacturing industries across the country. We also have about five (5) big annual fashion shows in the country. 

 PHOTO: Models showcasing culture outfits at the RCFS 2018 at Kigali Cultural Village (KCV), 8^th Edition

Even though things seem to be working with the fashion industry, models and upcoming fashion designers struggle to join the fashion scene as they continue pushing their businesses and pursuing their dreams.

One of the reasons that is blocking good performance and creating these struggles to fashion stakeholders in Rwanda, is the lack of collaboration and communication. Instead of working as a team, fashion designers and models work as serious competitors even though Rwanda’s fashion sector doesn’t have much to offer at the moment. Furthermore, the covid-19 pandemic impacted fashion entrepreneurs, both fashion designers and models because fashion events were canceled and postponed. The pandemic also affected fashion designers who used to offer advertisement jobs to the runway models.

PHOTO: Kids models at the RCFS 2018, Kigali Cultural Village, 8^thEdition

 Conclusion

 The RCFS is much more concerned about the development of the fashion industry in Rwanda and it wants to reinforce “collaboration” among fashion and modeling agencies as well as engaging government institutions to support the arts and creative industry in Rwanda. That is why the RCFS sees collaboration as the key to this development as we continue to build a stronger fashion sector. The outcomes from the described above will spotlight the key considerations, and the recommendations will be put into reality.  

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WEBINAR OVERVIEW

The RCFS webinar will include discussions which will be in the form of a series of thought- provoking panel discussions about the textiles and fashion industry in Rwanda and Africa. It is scheduled on Friday, 28th February 2023, from 10: 00 am to 12:15 am (GMT-KIGALI).

 

It is organized by the RCFS 2023. Keynote speakers will include fashion designers, fashion promoters, journalists, experts in textiles and fabric dyeing, fashion school teachers, and some government representatives to discuss “Made in Rwanda value”.

 

Questions to consider during our discussions:

• How far is the Fashion Industry in Rwanda?
• How do you see the Rwanda Fashion Industry in the next five years?

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• OVERVIEW

Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show (RCFS) is a forum for local and international fashion designers to showcase their designs. Celestin Ntawirema founded RCFS in 2013. The RCFS will on March 30, hold a virtual conference during which players in the fashion industry will discuss the current state of the Rwandan fashion industry and will discuss the collaboration between fashion stakeholders.

February 28, 2023, from 10am to 1pm, RCFS hosted an open webinar on the future of the fashion industry in Rwanda. Guests’ speakers included the president of the Berwa Rwanda Federation (fashion &beauty), Ms. Dukuzumuremyi Marie Chantal, president of Rwanda Designers Association, Ms Karen Uwera, Mr Eddie Nsabimana, a journalist at The New Times, president of Rwanda Fashion Models Union (RFMU), Mr Willy Mutabazi, Franco Kabano, CEO & Founder Webest Models Management, different media journalists and fashion stakeholders in general.  During the discussion, the words “uniqueness” “quality” and “Collaboration” came back many times which caught our tension to prepare another webinar about how collaboration among fashion stakeholders can be a key to the development of the Rwanda fashion industry.  

The webinar will bring together different stakeholders of the fashion industry to share experiences and discuss how private and public institutions can support Rwanda’s growing fashion industry. The webinar will include discussions which will be in the form of a series of a thought-provoking panel.

 Keynote speakers of the event will include renowned fashion designers, fashion promoters, modeling agencies, experts in textiles, and some government representatives from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Private Sector Federation (PSF), Ministry of Youth and Culture (MYCULTURE), Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA), Rwanda Arts Council (RAC) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM).

• OBJECTIVES
• To establish collaboration between fashion stakeholders in Rwanda
• To strengthen communication between institutions that support the arts and creative industry specifically the fashion sector
• To put together people in the fashion industry and promote new talents and help them to have access to the platform which can guide them toward their dreams.
• To create a space for developing and exploring creativity in designing clothes, new styles, and forms.
• Purpose

To reinforce the collaboration between fashion agencies in the Rwandan fashion industry and work together to recover from Covid-19’s impacts on this fashion industry.

• Events Details

Where: Zoom App

Date: Thursday, 30th March, 2023

Time: 10am to 12:30pm

• BACKGROUND FASHION AND MODELING AGENCIES IN RWANDA

The cultural fashion industry in Rwanda is on the move.

Celestin Ntawirema, a man who has been at the helm of promoting Rwandan culture through fashion is optimistic that the future of the local fashion industry is bright. Ntawirema is the chief executive officer of Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show (RCFS), established in 2013 with the aim of promoting cultural fashion.

Models clad in a variety of collections depicting Rwandan culture. File.

He has worked with talented designers, both on the local and international scene to boost growth of the cultural fashion industry in Rwanda.

Ntawirema says that collaborating with designers locally and internationally has helped in sharing skills and experiences. Today, cultural material such as backcloth is being used in weddings, and local artistes like Mani Martin and Urban Boys, among others, have expressed their desire for the contemporary fashion designs. “It is a sign that there has been good reception of our cultural creations and this is all thanks to our hard work.

“We can still be stylish and modern in our own designs even when we dress up in what people call off,” says Ntawirema. Ntawirema admitted that there is an improvement in cultural fashion in the country, compared to when he had just started. “At fashion shows, looking at people who wear locally made clothes versus clothes from abroad and designers who have come on board, there has been growth and acceptance of fashion generally in the country,” he adds.

He added that his recent trips to the US made him realise the importance of learning from people, who are experienced in fashion and organising fashion shows.

He explained that through attending different fashion shows and meeting different people abroad, he has been able to learn event management skills, as well as being creative on how to push this business to the front as this will help his brand grow.

Ntawirema has taken Rwanda Cultural Fashion show to different parts of Kigali. He says his objective is to expand his brand as well as inspire new designers and models in the industry.

Models clad in a variety of collections depicting Rwandan culture. File

He seeks to see Rwanda’s cultural designs compete globally, although he points out the need for our own fabrics from which the country can be identified with, just as we are familiar with Ghana’s inkara and other fabrics from Italy and China. His efforts have also been boosted by other stakeholders. Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and other organisations like Red Rock actively support the annual Rwanda Cultural Fashion show.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The cultural fashion industry in Rwanda is on the move.

Celestin Ntawirema, a man who has been at the helm of promoting Rwandan culture through fashion is optimistic that the future of the local fashion industry is bright. Ntawirema is the chief executive officer of Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show (RCFS), established in 2013 with the aim of promoting cultural fashion.

Models clad in a variety of collections depicting Rwandan culture. File.

He has worked with talented designers, both on the local and international scene to boost growth of the cultural fashion industry in Rwanda.

Ntawirema says that collaborating with designers locally and internationally has helped in sharing skills and experiences. Today, cultural material such as backcloth is being used in weddings, and local artistes like Mani Martin and Urban Boys, among others, have expressed their desire for the contemporary fashion designs. “It is a sign that there has been good reception of our cultural creations and this is all thanks to our hard work.

“We can still be stylish and modern in our own designs even when we dress up in what people call off,” says Ntawirema. Ntawirema admitted that there is an improvement in cultural fashion in the country, compared to when he had just started. “At fashion shows, looking at people who wear locally made clothes versus clothes from abroad and designers who have come on board, there has been growth and acceptance of fashion generally in the country,” he adds.

He added that his recent trips to the US made him realise the importance of learning from people, who are experienced in fashion and organising fashion shows.

He explained that through attending different fashion shows and meeting different people abroad, he has been able to learn event management skills, as well as being creative on how to push this business to the front as this will help his brand grow.

Ntawirema has taken Rwanda Cultural Fashion show to different parts of Kigali. He says his objective is to expand his brand as well as inspire new designers and models in the industry.

Models clad in a variety of collections depicting Rwandan culture. File

He seeks to see Rwanda’s cultural designs compete globally, although he points out the need for our own fabrics from which the country can be identified with, just as we are familiar with Ghana’s inkara and other fabrics from Italy and China. His efforts have also been boosted by other stake holders. Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and other organisations like Red Rock actively support the annual Rwanda Cultural Fashion show.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Rwanda Modesty Fashion Show

UNO Fashion Agency

February 28, 2023, from 10am to 1pm, The Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show (RCFS) hosted an open webinar on the future of the fashion industry in Rwanda. RCFS organized this webinar to reinforce the collaboration between fashion agencies in Rwanda and strengthen how they can work together to recover from Covid-19’s impacts on the fashion industry. This virtual conference had participants such as fashion designers, models, journalists, fashion promoters, and event planners gathered to exchange ideas about the development of fashion in Rwanda.

Keynote speakers were:

1. Mrs. Dukuzumuremyi Marie Chantal, Legal Representative of Berwa Rwanda Federation (Fashion &Beauty)
2. Mrs. Karen Uwera, President of the Rwanda Designers Association and CEO & founder of Karssh Collection
3. CEO & Founder of Webest Models Management, Mr. Kabano Franco
4. Mr. Eddie Nsabimana, a journalist at The New Times

The discussion moderators were Mr. Celestin Ntawirema, the RCFS Founder, and his assistant Monique Uwimbabazi. It was open for everyone to participate and share ideas. Fashion lovers were curious to participate where two days before the webinar,  some were commenting that it is time for fashion stakeholders to be honest and speak the truth about the issues in the fashion industry so that they can be tackled from their root causes.

The main topics covered throughout the discussion were:

• The role of media and journalism in the development of fashion in Rwanda
• How to reach the available opportunities for young and upcoming fashion designers
• The improvement of modeling at the international level
• How Berwa Rwanda Federation (fashion and beauty) can bring together all people in the fashion industry
• How to recover from Covid-19’s impacts

 After the opening remark and showing the agenda, Mr. Celestin welcomed Mr. Eddie Nsabimana to talk about the role of media and journalism in the development journey of fashion in Rwanda. Mr. Eddie said that the media was there from the beginning of the fashion journey, and the media is playing a big role in promoting the fashion industry to the international audience.  He added that fashion designers and models should put more effort to work closely with the media because it is always there to help them in one way or another. However, Mr. Eddie mentioned that the lack of creativity and uniqueness in fashion is affecting the development of the fashion industry. He encouraged people in the fashion industry to collaborate and work as a team to overcome challenges in their sector.

Mr. Eddie Nsabimana, a journalist at The New Times

 The floor was handed to Mrs. Karen Uwera to talk about the opportunities for fashion designers in Rwanda and how there are shared with all the stakeholders. She said that opportunities are there, but it is hard to find where. To mean that people should work together to facilitate the value chains in the fashion market. Mrs. Karen added that it is okay for Private Sector Federation (PSF), Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and Rwanda Heritage Academy (RHA) to have art and creative departments that support local fashion designers and models. The important thing is how the beneficiaries will collaborate to benefit from these institutions. She was also more concerned about how it is still an issue to find professional fashion photographers. There is a gap in the professional fashion photographers that needs to be addressed as soon as possible because it is hard for a designer to show his/her collection without having a professional photographer to do so as in the saying “No photo, nothing happened.”

Mrs. Karen Uwera, President of the Rwanda Designers Association and CEO & founder of Karssh Collection

During the discussion, Mr. Kabano Franco was also present and was introduced by the moderator Mr. Celestin as one of the people in Rwanda's fashion industry who is helping Rwandan models at the international level, especially in Europe. He is also the founder of the Rwanda Fashion Models Union (RFMU) which aims to introduce modeling to government institutions. On his floor, Mr. Franco said that modeling is a career that Rwanda models should see as a job, not as a hobby, but they have to be careful to decide if they want to be and live as a model because it takes much energy and requires them to be patient until they become successful. He also advises Rwandan models to be mindful when deciding to join a particular modeling agency.

CEO & Founder of Webest Models Management, Mr. Kabano Franco

During further discussion, the Legal Representative of Berwa Rwanda Federation (fashion & beauty), Mrs. Marie Chantal Dukuzumuremyi talked about the purpose of the organization, which is to bring together fashion designers, make-up artists, and all people who are in the fashion and beauty sector. She added that Berwa Rwanda Federation is the umbrella for fashion designers in Rwanda. However, the organization's development is not certain because people in fashion are not collaborating. Mrs. Marie Chantal acknowledged that the government needs to help fashion stakeholders to establish a training center where skilled people in fashion will meet to build a strong industry that will involve everyone at his/her level.

Mrs. Dukuzumuremyi Marie Chantal, Legal Representative of Berwa Rwanda Federation (Fashion &Beauty)

After the keynote speakers, Mr. Celestin opened the discussion to all participants so they can comment, share ideas, or ask questions. Mr. Mutabazi Willy, the Legal Representative of the RFMU expressed his views on what the organization is doing for local models to be recognized as well as having professional models to represent Rwanda on the international scene. He added that models still missing a collaborative spirit among them, and the organization will continue to bring models together and create jobs for the models.

The discussion took longer than expected due to the many questions asked. The words “uniqueness” “quality” and “Collaboration” came back many times during the discussion to highlight that fashion designers need to show the uniqueness and quality of their work to become sustainable and successful. And for the fashion industry to excel, all people involved need to collaborate and work as partners, not as competitors.

Mr. Celestin Ntawirema, the founder of the RCFS in 2019, during the discussions about the development of the fashion industry in Rwanda.  

“Uniqueness” and “Quality” were also other topics that raised attention when Mrs. Uwera said that made in Rwanda are not Kitenge fabrics only. Fashion designers must be more creative to create something unique to represent them and their brands.

“Don’t take a made-in-China shirt to add a bit of Kitenge fabric or Umugongo and say you are doing made-in-Rwanda or you call yourself a fashion designer?" said Uwera.  Some participants asked her what she thinks about the high prices of made in Rwanda made clothes, and she answered that some people continue to complain about the prices of different fashion shops in Kigali, but some don't even think about what made the clothes they intend to buy and where the fabric was imported from.

Other participants included; Sammy Kwizera, an entertainment journalist on Flash TV, who is also the former journalist of Fashion focus, the first fashion TV show established in Rwanda. There were also, the CEO & Founder of Tarama Rwanda Initiative, Mr. Kageruka Wilson, CEO & Founder of Rwanda Modesty Fashion Show, Mr. Ngabitsinze Adbul Wahabi, CEO & Founder of UNO Fashion agency, Augustin Hakizimana artist painter and fashion designer who is currently based in Malawi, CEO & Founder O’poma Designs, Fashion designer Elise Furaha, model Ellesa Morgan and many more.

As a closing remark, the RCFS representative Monique Uwimbabazi said that these discussions are the continuing point to put together people in the fashion industry, and it will help to promote new talents and allow them to have access to the platform which can guide them toward their dreams. Ms. Monique thanked all the keynote speakers, participants, and Mr. Celestin for successfully moderating the discussion.

Watch the discussion here

By Florence Niyigena

Content Creator and Editor | Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show