Over the years, Rwanda’s modeling industry has made a diversion from its conservative nature; more fashion designers have embraced the field and the many fashion shows that have taken place in and out of the country have helped boost exposure for the indu0stry. This, obviously, has attracted and nurtured models, some of whom have made it to international runways. This week, we take a look at some of the models who’ve made a mark in the industry.
Over the years, Rwanda’s modeling industry has made a diversion from its conservative nature; more fashion designers have embraced the field and the many fashion shows that have taken place in and out of the country have helped boost exposure for the industry. This, obviously, has attracted and nurtured models, some of whom have made it to international runways. This week, we take a look at some of the models who’ve made a mark in the industry.
Alain Sebigabiro
At only 22, Alaine’s stunning body has already taken him to greater heights as a model. He’s been in the industry for three years now but has already had a glimpse of international runways.
It was a photo shoot he had with his model friends back then that made him realise that modeling could actually be his thing and indeed, when he joined, he fell in love.
He has so far graced fashion shows in Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and China. He has worked with Rwanda Clothing Show, Kigali Fashion Week, Hanchu Fashion Week in China and AU Fashion Week in Rwanda.
Mugisha has been in the fashion industry for over five years now.
His masculine physique and strong build makes him stand out from the crowd, and modeling, he says, is where his heart lies.
He has participated in Kigali Fashion Show, Kampala Fashion Show, Bujumbura Fashion Show and Gala Fashion Show; and hopes to storm the international scene too.
Toni Georgette
The young beauty joined modeling in 2010 and her confidence on the runway made her the distinctive model she is.
Georgette has been a part of most of Rwanda’s fashion shows; she has also been to Kampala Fashion Week.
She walked the runway at the Mercedes Benz African Fashion Festival in Ghana, Belgrade Fashion Week in Serbia and many more.
Lucy Ruhinda
A pretty face coupled with enthusiasm has driven her to greater heights.
The 25-year-old has participated in various fashion shows in Uganda and Tanzania.
She has also participated in Kigali Fashion Week three times in a row.
Winnie Kalisa
The 20-year-old has been part of many fashion shows in Rwanda like Kigali Fashion Week, Vlisco, Collective rw, among others.
She has also worked with various photographers and designers in Singapore doing adverts and editorials.
Kalisa joined the modeling industry in 2013, something she says she did unexpectedly as she was more of a sporty person. She, however, came to realise that her height would actually work best for modeling.
Kigali Fashion Week was her first opportunity to hit the runway; that was in 2014. She has never looked back.
Her journey as a model has been exciting and challenging but according to her, it is all for the best. In 2015, she was selected as the second runner up of Rwanda’s Supermodel and in the same year, she was crowned Miss Eco tourism Rwanda.
She is now targeting the world’s biggest runways.
Tina Uwase
She is willing to go to lengths for her dream to come to life.
Her beauty, coupled with hard work, has made her who she is today.
Uwase has managed to represent Rwanda in various fashion shows, for instance, at the Top Model Africa in July this year in Harare- Zimbabwe, where she emerged first runner-up.
Alexia Mupende
This is a household name when it comes to the modeling industry.
Her splendor and stunning looks have taken her far on the runway.
Mupende has had the privilege to represent Rwanda at Runway Dubai Season II, she has also worked with international designers like Modupe Omonze, Shaleen Cheah, Helen Couture, Si Fashion Galerie and Khalid Al Ayoub.
Jean de Dieu Ntabanganyimana aka Jay
His physique is no doubt that of a model. His splendor, coupled with the passion he holds for his career, has made him more than popular in the modeling industry. Jay started his modeling career in 2012 and though the path he chose hasn’t been all rosy, he is determined to make it because he believes that when one loves something, they do whatever it takes to get it.
The model also believes that though fashion in Rwanda is not like that in Paris or New York, there is a big improvement so far. He has a project that provides models for commercial, high fashion and catalogue and has worked with different media houses and different teams in planning and implementing successful fashion shows.
Jay has participated in different fashion shows like Kigali Fashion Week, Rwanda Cultural Fashion Week, Burundi International Fashion Week, Fiesta de Verano, among others.
He was also recently selected to represent Rwanda in Abryanz Fashion and Styles Awards 2016 in the category of Outstanding East African model of the year, and since 2015, he has been model representative in Kigali Fashion Week.
Happy Umurerwa
The Rwandan model currently based in South Africa was discovered by Ford Models and since then, Umurerewa has worked with high profile fashion houses.
She has modeled for Zac Posen, Fantastics, and Glamour Magazine.