IN THE corporate world, one cannot afford to look sloppy lest they are not taken seriously. Whether it is in office, at a cocktail party or even at a retreat, dress code is never taken lightly in this field. Francine Umutoni, Primus and Turbo King brand manager, Braliwa, talks to Doreen Umutesi about the distinctiveness in her style, why changing trends should not define an individual and why comfort comes first.

 How would you describe your dress sense?

I would say my general dress code is smart casual. I always try to balance between dressing professionally and comfortably with a touch of something that actually defines/portrays me. I believe comfort should always come first in choosing what one wears. I do not fully agree with wearing awesome shoes but walking with a limp in the end because the shoes end up being totally uncomfortable and painful. I am always up and down with my job everyday so that can never be an option. 

What’s your favourite clothing item?

I like layering and how I do that differs on whether it is a week day or a weekend. On weekdays I tend to wear the usual polyester pants/skirt and a casual colourful vest and jacket or jumper. Weekends are more of jeans/shorts and t-shirts which are my favourite. But I have a weakness for shoes – mostly closed with a small/short heel. 

For the last two years I got addicted to really big and long necklaces but lately I seem to be leaning more towards the short and big African necklaces with matching bracelets. 

Where do you shop for clothes?

That’s a tricky one, literally everywhere! Usually any recommended stores by my friends or random walk-ins but I have recently started buying a few items from the "Rwanda Clothing” store and I love the "House of Tayo” scarves (the way the designer mixes his colours with a touch of our cultural textures is very innovative). For bags, I go to Aunty Regina who has currently been operating privately but will soon open a chain of stores called "Regina”. For jeans I recommend Diesel jeans to anyone. 

What do you consider when shopping clothes?

Mostly it’s the colour, texture/quality and design. I do have colours I tend to feel comfortable with like purple, black, brown and white. I am trying to be a little adventurous with orange, red, green and bright yellow but that takes a lot of self consciousness on my part to choose them. 

Your favourite fashion accessory?

Shoes and jewellery! I am very specific about the two. I like to find a balance between modern looking and African jewellery – sometimes I just wear a little of both. 

What is your favourite clothing item on a guy?

Oh my God! Hmm. Let me think. Top of my head, the first things I look at are a guy’s shoes, his watch, then his haircut and beard. I’m not sure if it counts for fashion but his scent actually counts more than the fore mentioned items. 

What’s your favourite scent?

My favourite scent of all time so far is Diesel’s "Fuel for Life” (I have a general weakness for the Diesel brand). For those who want to search for it please go for the dark bottled one – just a little tip for ladies out there.

Any fashion advice?

My only advice to all the beautiful Rwandan ladies out there reading this is to be themselves. Do not let the constantly changing trends define you. Let what you wear define who and what you truly are and not what the season or the year prompts you to.