Rwanda Cultural Fashion night was held on Saturday at Goethe Institute in Kigali with visiting designers giving it a regional touch.

It was a truly night fashion and style lovers in Rwanda came together to witness the creations of those that have made fashion and design their passion.

The evening was organized by the founder of Rwanda Cultural Fashion show Celestin Ntawirema with the support of Goethe Institute and others.

Guest designers from Kenya and Tanzania joined their Rwandan counterparts to showcase their creations.

The evening featured a display by models of creative fabrics like kitenge, cotton, silk and back clothall fused with a modern touch.

Jocktan Makeke, one of the visiting designers from Tanzania, emphasized the need to embrace the African culture saying it’s high time Africans loved their own culture and, more so, support local designers.

"It is time we embraced our own because if you see what we are able to do, it is better than what we import in terms of quality and appeal. As Africans, we need to show the rest of the world that we can also dominate the fashion industry and that we are proud of our heritage,” Makeke said.

The designer noted that regional designers should look forward to working with different designers in the region in a bid to grow the industry.

Jossette Umurerwa, one of the designers who showcased their creations, said she focuses on giving African wear a modern look, to move with times.

She uses cotton, silk and some chiffon to create more fancy and stylish fabrics.

Explaining the vision of Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show, Ntawirema said the intention is to make African designs more recognised and appreciated.

"Every one of us should have the responsibility to support African cultural designs and promote our very own designers and products,” Ntawirema said.

"We appreciate the fact that the government is promoting "Made in Rwanda” products. We think this will go a long way in encouraging local designers,” he added.

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