It was all class, style, elegance and fancy fashions at the fourth edition of Diner en Blanc party held in Kigali on Saturday. Celebrated internationally since 1988, Diner en Blanc (All white party) is a dinner concept that brings together hundreds of people to dine, wine and interact in a public space.
It was all class, style, elegance and fancy fashions at the fourth edition of Diner en Blanc party held in Kigali on Saturday.
Celebrated internationally since 1988, Diner en Blanc (All white party) is a dinner concept that brings together hundreds of people to dine, wine and interact in a public space.
As a rule, guests have to wear white clothes, and carry their own food, drinks and table ware.
In the true spirit of Diner en Blanc, the venue for the event was kept a top-guarded secret, until the very last minute.
Guests were simply told to converge at the Amahoro National Stadium in Remera, from where pre-arranged buses would pick them up and ferry them to the venue.
Little did they know that this would be the venue. Amidst a slight downpour, the team from Illume Creative Studios and Positive Productions went calmly and bravely about their work, laying tables and decorating the venue white. The party was set at the RGB side of the stadium.
The organisers stopped at just laying the tables white. The rest of the work – decorations, food, drinks, cutlery and glasses – was left to individual tables. Guests simply came in with their packed food and drinks, and the party begun. It was mostly wine and champagne for most tables, as the alcohol policy barred spirits like gin, whisky and vodka.
The party drew a mixed crowd of tourists, diplomats, expatriates, and socialites from Kigali and the East African region. DJ Africano and Burundian singer Hope Irakoze provided entertainment, while the pair of DJ Makeda and George Ndirangu were the day’s MCs.
The fact that private cameras were not allowed at the venue did not spoil the fun, as revelers took to their smart phones for selfies.
The already beautiful décor became even more spectacular when the floodlights inside Amahoro National Stadium were switched on as darkness fell, providing a perfect backdrop to the sea of white.
As the party came to a close, the best dressed couple, best decorated table, most creative female, most creative male and most elegant female scooped prizes.
The first Diner En Blanc event in Kigali was held in 2012.