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

RIFI Fashion Agency is a youth forum founded by Ri Kon Yocan to help the young generation and promote their modeling talent at high (international) level through teaching, guiding, and training them towards integrity and good cultural behavior. Ri Kon Yocan is a youth passionate about building the fashion industry of Rwanda by making the young generation more beneficial through engaging and giving them the platform in fashion. The idea to start this fashion agency was fueled by the great gap in the Rwanda Fashion Industry and the fact of being surrounded by many people who really need fashion but were not not sure who to ask for help.  Ri Kon Yocan was motivated to bring fashion in his community, help models have access to job opportunities, and bring innovation and creativity in Rwanda fashion so we can compete at international level.

RIFI Models on the runway at the KIMFEST 2022

RIFI Fashion Agency has 114 models both male and female and it is hoping to increase this number by engaging in different areas around Rwanda.  It provides multiple services to create opportunities for all models in the agency. We train models on the catwalk and act to prepare them to make advertisements in photos and videos for our clients. We provide models to act in songs as video vixens and other ones to act in movies or documentaries. RIFI Fashion Agency looks after its models to make sure they have good behaviors, discipline, and they do not consume drugs.

RIFI female model on the runway at KIMFEST 2022

RIFI Fashion Agency has prepared its fashion event for September 2023 and it has participated in different fashion events in Rwanda  like:

• Sustainable Charity Festival on October 1st 2022 at BK ARENA
• Karisimbi entertainment award and Fashion Show 25th Dec 2022
• KIMFEST Awards on 16th July 2022
• Kigali Celebration on 20th May 2022

RIFI won an Award for the  agency of the year 2022

And at the international level, it participated in the GUBA Award event on 20 October 2022. RIFI Fashion Agency has been awarded as the best model agency of the year in the KIMFEST awards. Apart from Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show, RIFI Fashion Agency has other partners such as Ivo design, Luckycrochet250, Floreaimage, and Nyatsaimage.

RIFI Fashion Agency's Models at KIMFEST 2022

RIFI male model on the runway at KIMFEST 2022

RIFI female model on the runway at KIMFEST 2022

RIFI models during their practice 

RIFI models during their practice 

RIFI's CEO, Mr RI KON YOCAN, the 2nd person from the right, wearing glasses 

For more information  about the RIFI Fashion Agency contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or call  Yocan  at +250 785 081 336‬ 

Read more about our partnership HERE

Today February 10, 2023, in the afternoon, Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show (RCFS) signed a partnership agreement with four different fashion agencies that are Rwanda Modesty Fashion Show, Ri Kon Finest Fashion Agency, Tarama Rwanda, and UNO Fashion Agency. The event we attended by various journalists, models, and representatives of the above four agencies. This partnership aims to reinforce the collaboration between agencies in the Rwandan Fashion Industry and work together to recover from Covid-19’s impacts on this fashion industry.

The Assistant coordinator at the RCFS, Mrs Moniah UWIMBABAZI is explaining more bout the partnerships with the 4 agencies 

Moniah shaking hands with the CEO & Founder of the Rwanda Modelsty Fashion Show. Mr Abdul Wahbi

The RCFS representative Monique Uwimbabazi said that this partnership is the starting 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. She also added that there should be an event every three months to choose the best models (male and female) from each of the four agencies. Those models will get certificates, receive financial support, and they will be posted on all social platforms of the Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show.

Moniah shakes hands with the CEO & Founder of Tarama Rwanda Initiative, Mr Wilson  Kenzy

Additionally, the Rwanda Modesty Fashion Show presenter, Ngabistinze Abdul mentioned how the partnership with RFCS will help them boost creativity in the fashion industry and engage in the preparation of fashion events, as it has been a long time since the Covid-19 outbreak. He explained that he has been working with RCFS, and he acknowledged the mutual benefits of this partnership which will also make the future of the fashion industry in Rwanda certain and sustainable.  Wilson Kageruka (Tarama Rwanda representative) added that through this partnership upcoming models, designers, and other talents will get the opportunity to showcase their abilities during different events prepared together.

Moniah shakes hands with the CEO & Founder of UNO Fashion Agency, Mr Kwizera Danny 

Lastly, Danny (UNO Fashion Agency presentative) talked about the importance of working as a team and how it will help to leverage the available resource to become successful. “Working with this big team presented here will not only benefit the fashion industry, but the country will develop too,” he said. Yocan Senyonga (Ri Kon Finest Fashion presentative) added that to achieve a mutual outcome we need to work as a team, respect each other, provide support anytime asked, and pray.

CEO & Founder of the  RIFI Fashion Agency Mr Ri Kon Yocan  with his Assitant after signing the MOU 

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 signed today has some timelines, RCFS wishes to keep working with fashion agencies until the fashion industry is recognized, appreciated, and known.

Before signing the MOU both CEOs  had discussions about how far  the fashion industry and what is going to be their priority 

                                     CEO & Founder of UNO Fashion Agency, Mr Kwizera Danny signing the MOU 

Moniah is exchanging documents with the CEO & Founder of the RIFI Fashion Agency

The Assistant Coordinator Moniah signing the MOU 

CEO & Founder of RIFI Fashion Agency signing the MOU 

CEO & Founder of Tarama Rwanda Initiative reviewing the MOU before the signing 

It was a great moment for the CEOs and RCFS team after signing the MOU, everyone was happy with the new journey. 

More photos 

By Florence Niyigena

Content Creator and Editor | Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show  PHOTOS : IYAMUREMYE Janvier 

Central African Republic fashion designer opens operations in Kigali

OLGA NGANZI SAMBA-PANZA, a renowned fashion designer in the Central African Republic, last weekend opened her fashion house ‘O’poma Designs’ in Kigali. ‘O’poma’ has been operating over the past 20 years and Nganzi, the fashion house founder, felt Rwanda would be her next market when she discovered that her fashion products meet Rwandans’ taste in designs.

“O’Poma has existed for years and I want to see it growing beyond the borders,” Nganzi told The New Times in an interview.  The name of her fashion house, O’Poma, is inspired by the names of the designer herself, her husband, their daughter and her mother

Some of the designs on display at ‘O’Pama Designs.’

Read more The New Times 

THE RWANDA FASHION WEEK is set to take place during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and will be celebrating designers from the commonwealth member states.

The one-week event will be attended by local and international fashion designers, through the Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) fashion panel which is to take place at the Atelier, Kimihurura on June 21.

The Commonwealth market place and Photography exhibition will take place from June 22-25, while the Rwanda Fashion week runway show will take place on 23 at BK arena, Commonwealth market place and Photography exhibition on June 23 and is expected to be attended by over 800 delegates.

The event will be attended by 23 local brands among those seven local brands are participating in the Fashion week runway show, and nine international brands from the UK, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica and South Africa

Among the local designers to participant in the show are Haute Baso, Sonia Mugabo, Inzuki, Rwanda Clothing, Uzi Collection, Izubaa and Amike,

International brand that will participate include South Africa’s Pichulik, Kenyan designers Kiko Romeo, Amu Clothing, Jamaican designers Keneea Linton George, Nigeria’s Pepper Row and Dye Lab, Ghana’s Larry Jay and the designers from the UK, Georgia Hardinge and Maximilian Raynor. 

According to the Pierra A Ntayombya the Co-founder of collectiveRw an organisation that promotes the creative sector, the Rwanda Fashion Week will be taking place in two main venues, the Commonwealth Marketplace and Photography Exhibition at Atelier (Kimihurura), which will be accessible for delegates and the general public from June 22 – 23. The finale runway show will take place at BK Arena.

 She added that the the show will feature 16 designers from Africa, the Caribbean, and the UK. It will be a fashion experience that curates and reflects the visions of notable designers from Rwanda and other Commonwealth countries. The runway show is inspired by the themes of CHOGM 2022 and features both established and emerging designers

The founder of O'poma Design Madam Oli Nganzi, first from the right, Live today at Rwanda Television #RBA with Mrs Moniah Uwimbabazi, the Assistant Director of the RCFS and Mr Luck Nzeyimana, the hoster of Versus show.

 As Rwanda gears up for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting (CHOGM) slated for June 20 to 25, many people are ready and everyone in Rwanda is very excited. During a TV Show on Rwanda Television, Moniah Umwimbabazi explained how local artists and fashion designers are ready for this big conference in Kigali" To be honest everyone is ready, event organizers we are ready, models and fashion designers are ready as well. I can say we are all set for the events" Moniah said. 

Mrs Moniah Uwimbabazi, the Assistant Director of the RCFS Live today at Rwanda Television #RBA 

Alongside the founder of the O'poma Design madam Oli Nganzi, today they showcased some of the Opoma Design  2022 collection. With a view to promoting African fabric and African creativity in this magnificent artistic universe of fashion, O’poma Design offers its knowledge by making high-quality African loincloth clothing for women, men and children in order to celebrate together the beauty and richness of African fashion.

" This is an opportunity for us fashion designers and of course, this is all about what people are prepared to sell. for us we are ready. We have created various creations and we can't wait to open up our shop in Kigali" Oli said. 

 According to madam Nganizi, local and African fashion designers should be prepared to offer unique and quality designs. " We want to propose to our client products like clothes of excellent quality by choosing the best materials possible; valorize African fashion and culture through our products and help our customers to choose “made in Africa” products" Nganizi added. 

The founder of O'poma Design Madam Oli Nganzi,  Live today at Rwanda Television #RBA with Mr Luck Nzeyima the hoster of Versus show

The founder of O'poma design Madam Oli Nganzi,  Live today at Rwanda Television #RBA 

Tomorrow is the grand opening of the O'poma design Show, from 3 pm to 8 pm. 

 BY RCFS

Dear fashion lovers, if you are in Kigali, this is the only place to be. We would like to invite you to our grand opening of The O'poma design Shop. It is scheduled for the 18th of July 2022. We will have a short runway show starting from 3 pm- 8 pm.

Bring your family and friends for shopping #madeinrwanda #madeinafrica #fashion #design.

Location: KG 16 Ave, Nyabisindu
Entrance: Free

THE RECENTLY CONCLUDED Mercedes-Benz fashion week was evident that the fashion scene in Rwanda is steadily growing, as the country positions itself to become the next fashion hub in Africa

Over 100 international guests who are normally big players in the fashion industry, including 27 designers, were in Kigali ahead of the six-day fashion event.

Below are the five highlights

Belgian fashion designer Chris Vitj, who was in Rwanda for the second edition of Mercedes-Benz Fashion week called on Rwandan designers and the business community to at least build one fashion school in Rwanda.

Belgian fashion designer Chris Vitj called on Rwandan designers and the business community to at least build one fashion school in Rwanda.

 She was talking at the Fashion Forum which took place last week at Norrsken, Kigali, that brought together Africa’s finest designers and beyond to discuss the growth of Africa's fashion industry from a business perspective.

“I hope someday, starting with a few people here, there will be a kind of school like that. That is my hope,” said the designer, who was a fashion lecturer for a decade until 2021.

Young Rwandan designers given a platform to showcase their collections

In the recently concluded Mercedes- Benz Fashion Week, Young fast rising designers were given a platform to showcase their collection to 27 top designers worldwide.

This happened on May 19, at M-Hotel, when fashion houses like Jarah by Linda Muhoza, Inkingi Designs, Fashion Forward, A&M Kigali Urban, Ntare Gitare, Koni Clothing and others showcased their collections on the runway. A total of 10 young designers were given a platform to show their creativity.

Music meets fashion

Renowned Rwandan musicians alongside top music bands in Rwanda thrilled revellers of Mercedes-Benz Fashion week that were held last week in Kigali. During day two of the fashion week that took place at M-hotel Kigali, Mike Kayihura and Christopher played live music with the Target band while different collections were showcased on the runway. Renowned disc jockey, Selecta Copain, also graced the grand finale of the fashion week with a live set of afro music.

Top designers participate

This year’s edition of Mercedes Benz fashion week was bigger and better than the inaugural edition staged in 2019, with the runway featuring over 15 designers both local and international. Renowned designers like Malawi’s Lilly Alphonso that showcased Dessert collections, Kais Divo collection from Uganda, Qaal designs of Somalia, Ghana’s Arshia Wilson, Thando Piliso of South Africa, among many others showcased their collections during the grand finale of the fashion week.

Some of the Rwandan models that graced the runway. Courtesy photos

South Africa’s Georges Malelu who used to dress Beyonce in 2018 also participated at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion show.

Top models such as Grace Akeza, Honorine Uwase, Kentha Kirezi, Aisha Uwase and many others also represented different designers on the runway.

African fashion dominates

In the recently concluded Mercedes-Benz Fashion Show that took place from May 16-21, African collections dominated others on the runway.

Among 15 designers that participated in the fashion week, 10 showcased outfits made in Kitenge couture.

ORGINAL ARTICLE: TheNewTimesRwanda