In Rwanda, where once only foreign labels were recognised, local fashion giants, predominantly driven by the youth, today dominate the market, a sign of a growing industry by far.

ALSO READ: The highlights of Rwanda’s fashion industry this year

We bring you the top 10 most valuable fashion brands, in no particular order, that have garnered international acclaim on different occasions.

House of Tayo

Matthew Rugamba, widely known as ‘Tayo’, is the mastermind behind ‘House of Tayo’, a men's wear label and accessory line. This brand stands as a symbol of African sophistication, showcasing style and flair through locally crafted clothing and accessories.

Established with the vision of highlighting African elegance and flavor, House of Tayo merges contemporary design with locally-made attire and accessories. In particular, their latest product, ‘Ijezi’, has gained popularity among sports fashion lovers and celebrities both in and outside Rwanda.

Since its establishment in 2011, House of Tayo has emerged as a top fashion house in Rwanda, dressing global celebrities such as FIFA President Gianni Infantino, performers Mr Eazi, Adekunle Gold, Ruger, Poizon Ivy, Sarkodie, Davido, Burna Boy, Peter Junior Nyong’o, and athletes Jayson Tatum, Joakim Noah, Amadou Gallo Fall, among others.

Moshions

Their collections such as ‘Kwanda’, ‘Imandwa’ and others express a fusion of traditional and contemporary aesthetics. Moshions combines organic fabrics, natural dyes, and high-end couture to create timeless fashion pieces.

The brand has been worn by various celebrities including Didier Drogba, Sauti Sol, Sonia Rolland, Jidenna, Saul Williams, Lous and the Yakuza, Nomzamo Mbatha, Sarkodie, Ilhan Omar, and more.

Sonia Mugabo (SM) collections

Sonia Mugabo (SM) collections are named after Sonia Mugabo, the founder and fashion designer of the brand.

Established in 2013, the eponymous fashion label gained recognition when Mugabo was featured as a ‘Fashion Designer’ by The Guardian and later listed in Forbes Africa’s 30-under-30 entrepreneurs for her promising work in 2017.

Mugabo, a self-taught designer, emphasizes local sourcing, including materials, employees, and models from her native Rwanda. Her designs embody effortless style, appealing to women seeking fashionable yet comfortable attire. As a pioneer in Rwanda’s fashion industry, Mugabo sets the standard for both local and global markets.

Notably, she dressed Melinda Gates during the Commonwealth Heads of State meeting in June 2022, showcasing her brand’s growing influence.

Tanga Designs

Tanga Designs, founded by Olivier Niyitanga, derives its name from the suffix of his own name, ‘Tanga’. It’s a prominent fashion house in Rwanda, renowned for its eccentric yet remarkable collections.

Niyitanga has dressed local celebrities such as Miss Jolly Mutesi, Meghan Nimwiza, Divine Muheto, as well as international figures like Sauti Sol, Elani, Mr. Eazi, and Davido.

Inspired by fashion icons like Alexander Wang, Vera Wang, Versace, and Armani, Tanga Designs focuses on elegance, art, class, and creativity. The brand uniquely blends modern and traditional designs to create visually striking looks appealing to trendy men and women who appreciate style.

ALSO READ: Stylists weigh in on fashion side of Kigali Triennial Festival

UZI Collections

It was established in July 2015 by Rwandans Nathalie Remera and Rwema Umutoni, born from their profound passion for fashion.

The brand has notably adorned various personalities including Team Troy, Louis Van Gaal, Princess Basma Bint Ali, Naomi Campbell, Ne-Yo, Gael Faye, Ugandan comedian Anne Kansiime, and more for diverse occasions.

With a primary goal of crafting an impactful brand that empowers young individuals and contributes to Rwanda’s economic growth through the fashion sector, UZI Collections remains dedicated to its mission.

Izubaa Collection

The Izubaa Collection, founded by Elodie Monique Vestine Fromenteau, draws inspiration from the late 80’s and 90’s. Their clothes blend French fabrics with African prints, featuring oversized and gender-neutral designs.

Mixing classic French tailoring with African fabrics like Kitenge and Kente, Izubaa promotes diversity, inclusivity, and self-identity.

Izubaa made notable appearances, including opening Kigali Fashion Week during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2022) and dressing performers from Mashirika at the YouthConnekt Summit 2022.

Am!ke

The Rwandan brand, Amike Studio, is owned by Aline Amike, a model, actress, poet, and designer-bead smith to create distinctive fashion pieces.

Specializing in unique beaded headpieces and accessories, her work has been featured in various collaborations, including Elodie Fromenteau’s IZUBAA collection showcased in Ghana and Rwandan artist Kaya Byinshi’s music videos.

Recently, Hollywood star Lupita Nyong’o garnered attention wearing a handcrafted bag from Amike Studio during the Berlin International Film Festival. Celebrities like B-Threy, Angell Mutoni, and Kaya Byinshi have also endorsed the brand.

ALSO READ: Gorilla Fashion Week blends styles at maiden edition

Haute Baso

Haute Baso, is an ethical fashion brand known for its thoughtful, simple, and functional designs.

The brand’s essence revolves around the idea that collaboration leads to positive change, particularly in empowering women and youth within their value chain while preserving Rwandan culture.

Notably, Haute Baso has dressed prominent figures such as Lais Ribeiro, wife of Hakim Noah, Kevin Hart, Arancha Gonzalez Laya, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation of Spain, Ellen DeGeneres, and her partner Portia de Rossi to mention but a few.

Additionally, the brand has showcased its collections at events like the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Johannesburg, South Africa, organized by African Fashion International (AFI) in previous years.

Matheo brand

In 2019, Maurice Niyigena founded an emerging fashion brand called ‘Matheo Brand’.

Despite the challenges faced by upcoming designers, Matheo has managed to capture the attention and emotions of fashion enthusiasts in Kigali and beyond.

The brand has garnered positive feedback and support, with both local and international runway models, such as Irina Breslavets-Druzhinina and Reinhardt Kenneth, adorning and collaborating with Matheo during prestigious events like New York Fashion Week and others.

Inzuki Design

Inzuki is a Rwandan brand founded by Teta Isibo in 2012, specializing in handmade jewelry, accessories, and interior decor crafted from local materials.

Their products, which blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary style, aim to transcend Rwandan design traditions and cater to modern preferences.

With a focus on Rwanda-made, Africa-inspired, and globally-loved creations, Inzuki has gained traction in international markets and has expanded its reach to Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America through distributors and an online store.

In particular, Inzuki’s bold and colorful trinkets are already sold at a handful of retailers in the United States including the gift store at the Field Museum, in Chicago.

Beyond mere clothing and accessories, fashion is a multi-billion-dollar industry driven by some of the most iconic and valuable brands locally and globally.

Other local fashion houses are ‘Kabash’ by Catherine Bashabe, ‘Inkanda Fashion House’ by Muhire Patrick, Rwanda Clothing, ‘KarSSH Collections’ by Karen Uwera, Bold Bonza by Sissi Ngamije, ‘Kezem Rwanda’ by Emmanuel Keza, ‘Amizero’ by Cedric Amizero, ‘Uzuri K & Y’, ‘Maison Munezero’, ‘Inco fashion’, ‘Gro Creation’, ‘lito Ris Designs’ and many more.