" I would not judge these upcoming fashion shows that we had in 2023 because most of them didn't have enough budget to hire good lighting. No sponsors in fashion shows and this is a big issue for the fashion industry in general" An entertainment Journalist from the RBA told the RCFS's Media 

Lighting plays a crucial role in fashion shows. It is one of the main tools to make a fashion show look more attractive to the audience who purchase tickets to watch a runway show. For the most, good lighting is very important for fashion designers and runway models while showcasing different collections on the runway to make sure the outfits are well seen by the audience.

Good lighting is very important for a fashion show [Photo Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show 2015]

Why is good lighting extremely important for a fashion show?

During the runway show, the lights play various roles such as highlighting garments that accentuate the details, colors, and textures of the clothing. It helps the audience appreciate the craftsmanship and design elements of each garment. Good lighting also sets the tone and ambiance of the show which creates a dramatic or intimate atmosphere, aligning with the designer's vision for the collection. 

Professional lighting helps garments to be seen all as it is in colors and shapes [Photo Kigali Fashion Week 2015]

Furthermore, proper lighting is essential for capturing high-quality images and videos of the fashion show for photographers and videographers. It ensures that the garments and models are well-illuminated, making them more appealing for promotional purposes.  

Why are fashion show events in Rwanda facing lighting and stage issues?

 The year 2023 reminded event organizers and managers especially fashion show events the importance of having proper lighting and a good stage setup. Many people commented on the 2023 fashion shows in Rwanda. These include fashion enthusiasts, event organizers, and entertainment journalists who told the RCFS's Media that they were reminded to compare the quality of the 5 years ago fashion show events to the 2023 fashion shows.

 Let's be honest fashion show events in Rwanda are going backward compared to the fashion shows that had been taking place in the years of 2015 and 2018. The quality of their stage setups, the lighting, and sponsorship is poor" An event organizer in Kigali told the RCFS's Media 

Last year, Kigali the capital city hosted 4 fashion shows;  the Stage Fashion Showcase 2023,  Kigali Fashion Week 2023,  RIFI Dance and Fashion Show 2023, and Gorilla Fashion Week 2023. The interesting part of the 2023 fashion show events, out of these 4 fashion shows, two of them happened on the same day which was the last Saturday of the year. On the evening of 30 December, the RIFI Dance and Fashion Show 2023 kicked off at Onomo Hotel Kigali while the Gorilla Fashion Week 2023 took place at Century Park Hotel.  

Photo: RIFI Dance and Fashion Show 2023 at Onomo Hotel, in Kigali

Photo: Gorilla Fashion Week 2023 at Century Park Hotel, in Kigali

Before these two fashion shows, in May we had the Stage Fashion Showcase which took place at the Marriot Hotel Kigali. This upcoming fashion event was highly organized with more than 7 well-organized fashion designers both local and international. However, the number of attended audiences was not as it was expected according to the organizers and commentators who talked to the RCFS's Media about the last year's fashion show events. 

Photo: The Stage Fashion Showcase 2023 at Marriott Hotel in Kigali

Another fashion show event that occurred in 2023 was the Kigali Fashion Week which took place at the BK Arena, on 15th December where new collaborations between farmers and fashion designers showcased a very attractive show where a combination of flowers and fashion impressed the audience.

Photo: Kigali Fashion Week 2023 at BK Arena in Kigali 

ALSO READ: THE UNIQUENESS OF COMBINING A FASHION SHOW WITH FLOWERS BY THE KIGALI FASHION WEEK 2023

Even though some of these fashion events still surviving especially the Kigali Fashion Week which was founded in 2012 but people who talked to the RCFS's Media said that things are going backward;

" Try to check the photos of the CollectiveRw/ Rwanda Fashion Week editions and even Mercedes Benz Kigali Fashion Week editions. It is totally different. I was expecting the Gorilla Fashion Week to be a big fashion week but the last 1 hour before the show ended, many people were already left. Their stage set up was not really convincing" a fashion enthusiast told the RCFS's Media 

Photo: Gorilla Fashion Week 2023 

It is clear that fashion shows without proper lighting miss uniqueness as well as the memorable from fashion lovers or audiences. Not only the lithing making a fashion show looking good but also a good stage. A good stage in a fashion show is critical for several reasons; It enhancespresentation and serves as the focal point where models showcase the designer's creations. A well-designed stage provides a platform that amplifies the aesthetic appeal of the garments. The stage design, including its backdrop, props, and overall setup, can reflect the brand's identity and the theme of the collection. It reinforces the narrative or inspiration behind the designs. 

Photo: Rwanda Fashion Week 2022

Photo: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Kigali

" I want to tell these new and upcoming fashion show organizers to think twice before organizing a fashion show. No matter what your fashion event has its requirements. Don't just call fashion designers before you are sure that you have all you need and that is the money" An event organizer in Kigali told the RCFS's Media

Photo: Kigali Fashion Week 2023 is the only event that built a stage in 2023

Rwanda's fashion industry was doing well before the COVID-19 pandemic but the industry was impacted in all its sectors from fashion designers, and models as well as fashion show event organizers. According to the Africa Development Bank, the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic on global value chains and its impact on African businesses is already evident. As factories close their doors and border closures and travel restrictions interrupt supply chains, the workers - the most vulnerable and lowest-paid people in the fashion supply chain – have been left to feel the worst effects.

 Ms. Oliva Umuhire is a fashion lover who lives in Kigali, she thinks that the Rwanda government needs to bring its input as the fashion industry continues to struggle with the impacts of the COVID-19

" Fashion entrepreneurs are doing the best they can to keep fashion and made in Rwanda alive. However, I don't see how the fashion industry can continue to survive without the government being involved in one way or another. For Example, Kigali Fashion Week used to be a big show that made Kigalians love fashion and have curiosity about fashion in general. I remember their show in 2015" Ms Umuhire told the RCFS's Media

Photo: Kigali Fashion Week 2015

Other people see the lack of collaboration among local fashion designers and fashion entrepreneurs as the source of not being able to escape from COVID-19's impacts.

"Everyone wants to work individually which is fine but to have good fashion shows in the future, Let's say instead of having many small fashion shows why not collaborate to host one fashion week that can bring all fashion designers together as well as the fashion entrepreneurs such event organizers, and models. They need to come together to find solutions for their issues which I believe will bring impact as union produce more force " said Ms. Moniah Uwimbabazi an expert in a fashion fashion show and event management 

Photo: The Stage Fashion Showcase 2023

ALSO READ: INTERNATIONAL MODEL EVELINE GONZENBACH TO BOOST FASHION AND MODELING INDUSTRY IN RWANDA

 By the RCFS's Media