SHE is talented and confident. For many fashion observers, it is not surprising that the young female designer is taking Rwanda’s fashion industry by storm.

Born and raised in Kigali, Josette Umurerwa’s desire for fashion started at a young age, she wanted to pursue designing as career. 

Today, the 25-year-old designer is already considered among the top budding fashion designers in the country, and her collections have featured at several local fashion shows.

Umurerwa is a graduate of Fashion Technology from Lovely Professional University in India. 

The New Times’ Donata Kiiza talked to Umurerwa, about a cross section of issues in the fashion industry.

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Where do you get the passion for fashion?

It’s within me, right from my childhood, I knew I wanted to do fashion. As a child, I designed my own clothes and hardly bought clothes. Even when I bought one, I changed its original design into my own choice. Due to the love of fashion, I wanted to learn fashion designing right from primary, but unfortunately there were no fashion schools in Rwanda, so I had to wait till I could get the opportunity.

Which designers do you look up to?

I admire many designers but the ones that truly inspire me are Victoria Beckham and Erin Fetherston. I like Victoria particularly because she wears her designs. Likewise, whenever I come up with a design, I ask myself can I wear this design. I also explore on Instagram—it is a great way for me to find people from all over the world who share their experiences in life. I think it’s an amazing way to get inspiration.

As an aspiring designer in Rwanda, how prepared are you to penetrate into this industry?

I feel I am ready to hit the road for this journey to be a fashion icon in Rwanda. I am so excited to adventure in this industry. I participated in the Rwanda Cultural Fashion Night on May 13, where 17 pieces of my designs were showcased. I received positive responses from people who attended the show and my friends. That was a great stepping stone for me and I’m ready to give the best to the fashion enthusiasts.

Rwandans have come to embrace culture and like wearing kitenge as one of the common African wear, Why are your designs more of cotton, chiffon and silk fabric only?

I want to bring out the western look a little more. This is because at times, one needs to change their look depending on different occasions— for example at parties, office and official meetings. The good thing is that Rwandans are already wearing these fabrics like jeans and chiffons, so these are fabrics they are used to. Besides, they like to be stylish and to explore new trends.

What are those principles that keep you on track?

I believe in myself and my designs. I take baby steps and avoid rushing in decision making. But most important, I like being original. I hate copying peoples’ ideas and creations. I believe all these little details will remain with me as I continue to grow as a designer.

What should we expect from you soon?

‘I am looking forward to opening a boutique in one of the city malls where I can showcase my designs, and hopefully own a workshop where I can always work on my designs. I believe in future I will be able to employee tailors and young girls interested in fashion designing. I’m working so hard so that one day I would be recognised among famous designers. The sky is the limit.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw