The Minister for Sports and Culture, Joseph Habineza has said government will work closely with Workforce Development Authority (WDA) and fashion designers to develop the local fashion industry.

Speaking during the closing of the second edition of the Rwanda Cultural Fashion Week, the Minister said that the local fashion industry has come of age and needs more support.

"The sky should be the limit for our designers,” said the Minister before adding that Rwandans should support local designers by buying their products.

The week-long fashion show sought to promote local designers and at the same time highlight culture and the traditions of the country.

This year’s show featured 10 designers.

Augustine Hakizimana of Uburanga Arts Centre, said the local fashion industry can compete fairly with other fashion designers around the world if support from all key stakeholders including the government is availed.

Kevin Kagirimpundu of Uzuri K&Y fashion house noted that the fashion industry is not for those who don’t have patience since there are teething challenges that still stalk it. She challenged Rwandans to buy local fashion products.

Her partner, Ysolde Shiimwe said that there are people in the industry who are just mere copycats, stealing other people’s designs to pass as their own. "The copycats are killing creativity. They are reaping from other people’s skills. However, despite such challenges, it’s our deep passion for what we do that motivates us to surmount such obstacles,” said Shiimwe.

entertainment@newtimes.co.rw