Twenty three-year-old Deborah Abiella Isimbi is in her final year at the University of Rwanda, Butare campus, pursuing a Bachelors degree in Political Science. She is also the former Miss National University of Rwanda. The beauty queen spoke to Society Magazine’s Donah Mbabazi about her sense of style.

How would you describe your dress sense?

I don’t have a particular style but I dress according to what looks good on me. When I was still skinny, I used to wear fluffy dresses because they looked good on me but now that I gained a little weight, I don’t wear them. Now days I prefer jeans and tight dresses, either long or knee length, and I really love high heels.

Sensual or elegant, which would you prefer?

Come on, I’m a woman so I definitely love being sensual. I believe every woman loves being sexy, we might view sexy differently, but we all love it. If a person told you that you look sexy you will definitely be happy about it. I don’t think there is a particular style that I would call sexy but when I wear tight dresses, people say I look sexy.

What do you like to shop for the most?

I am not a shopping person but if I’m to shop, I mostly go for high heels and handbags. I rarely go out, for instance, to parties or weddings so I have very little reason to buy ceremonial stuff. My days are always casual. But when I do shop, I try to look for stuff that I might need for those special occasions.

What do you consider when you’re shopping for clothes?

I consider the colour and how the cloth looks on me. There are some jeans you wear and you find yourself ‘shapeless’ therefore I look at what will compliment my figure. When I’m in the mood for elegance, I go for red and white. For a casual look, I love yellow, especially if it’s a sunny day.

How often do you shop for clothes?

Like I said I’m not a shopping person, I shop once in a blue moon. I think I shop like once or twice in a year. I have always been like this. I have a sister whose closet is a shopping mall itself and she is a generous person, so that’s how I end up having a lot of stuff in my closet. Before, I used to go shopping because I had friends who loved it. I just don’t have the motivation to shop.

What is the most expensive item that you own?

It has to be a perfume; that is the only thing I spend a lot of money on. I love perfumes; three to be exact; Invictus, Givenchy and Calvin Klein. They are unique and have a nice scent.

Who inspires you in fashion?

I don’t have anyone I can single out as my fashion idol but I love the way Kim Kardashian dresses, though I wouldn’t dress like her. I love admiring other people, I can look at you and love your style but I won’t take it up. I believe fashion is personal, I prefer being myself because everyone is unique. If Amber Rose dressed like Kim Kardashian, it wouldn’t be strange because they are kind of the same. But I could never pull off their look because I’m different, and I prefer being me.

What’s your favourite fashion trend for guys?

Guys don’t have much in terms of fashion, but I love it when they dress according to the occasion. I love tuxedos but that’s only if it’s a big event. I also love shirts and casual trousers. I hate tight jeans, boys look horrible in skinny jeans and I am not a fan of baggy jeans either.

What would you wear on a date?

It depends on what kind of date I will be going on.If it’s something serious I would wear a dress and high heels, if it’s lunch or just an outing, I would wear skinny jeans and a simple top or a fluffy skirt and a tight vest and ballerina shoes.

What fashion trick would you like to share?

It’s easy, search for colours that compliment you and know yourself,it is nothing more than that. If it’s makeup, search for the best; don’t wear maroon lipstick when you’re dark, search for stuff that really looks good on you. It’s not a matter of being beautiful, I believe no one is ugly. It’s just a matter of how you see yourself.

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