The fashion scene in Rwanda is steadily growing, as the country positions itself to become the next fashion hub in Africa, was evident at the just concluded Rwanda Fashion Week.

Fashion show goers were on Saturday, treated to an exquisite show, as both local and international fashion designers displayed their latest collections on the runway, at the University of Rwanda’s School of Architecture and Built Environments (SABE).

A model struts on the runway during the CollectiveRW. / Emmanuel Kwizera

Although the venue was not known by many, the warm ambience, lighting and the unique complex was a perfect match the show.

Formerly, CollectiveRw Fashion Week, the fashion show organised by CollectiveRw now in its fourth edition was well attended, including members of the First Family, with a large number of revellers donning some of the local designs.

Models presented designs by different local and international fashion designers at the Rwanda Fashion Week over the weekend. / Emmanuel Kwizera

On Saturday, models displayed different fashion designs at the School of Architecture and Built Environment in Camp Kigali. / Emmanuel Kwizera

First on the runway was Sonia Mugabo’s collection of silhouettes in breezy fabrics, that echo the spirit of an eternal summer. Next on the runway was Rwanda Clothing’s the effortless Afro-modern look that is part of their Umutoni collection.

One of the highlights of the evening was honouring the late Alexia Uwera Mupende, who passed on early this year. The model, before her demise was the face of Rwanda Clothing’s Umutoni Collection.

Other designers that graced the runway, included other founding members of CollectiveRw, including Moshions that showcased their Inkingi Collection that featured geometrical prints, vibrant colors and daring styles to represent strength freedom and hard work.

RwandAir’s chief executive Yvonne Manzi Makolo was in attendance. / Emmanuel Kwizera

Participants enjoyed the show. / Emmanuel Kwizera

House of Tayo’s new collection was an infusion of Hollywood’s "Cowboy” style to the traditional nomardic style, while Haute Baso chose to stick to their relaxed and versatile designs with their SS 20 Collection, Inzuki designs’ fusion of bold pieces, rich colors and soft muted tones. Uzi Collections also impressed the audience with their new ‘Altar SS 20’ collection.

K’Tsobe’s runway model, a flexing dancer, was another highlight of the show, as he entertained guests while he showcased some of the accessories from ‘The Decline of the Moon’ collection.

In the spirit of strengthening, promoting and developing Rwandan fashion talents, organisers featured some new local designer acts that highlighted quality and creativity in their collections. They included Maison Aline, Maison Munezero, winner of the ArtRwanda Ubuhanzi 2018 talent search, Claudine Ingabire, Emmanuel Nziyonsenga and Grace Umutoni, who all impressed the audience.

A male model takes the runway stage. / Emmanuel Kwizera

Nigerian designers, Emmanuel Okoro of Emmy kasbit and Adebayo Oke-Lawal of Orange Culture, outdid themselves with their collections as they displayed creativity, and color.

Collective RW was founded in February 2015 by a group of Rwandan designers House of Tayo, Inzuki, Sonia Mugabo, Haute Baso, Moshions, Amizero, who have come together to promote the finest national and regional fashion and to encourage collaboration throughout Africa.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com