Preparations for the fourth edition of Rwanda Modesty Fashion show are underway, as models get ready to showcase the best fashion collections made by Rwandan designers on December 7, at Scheba Hotel, Kiyovu.

The annual event is organised by Berwa Platnums to showcase brands produced locally, and to promote Rwanda’s cultural values through fashion.

Abdul Wahabi Ngabitsinze, the brains behind the event, told The New Times that it is an opportunity to give an example on how Rwandans should be dressed in line with respecting culture.

"Today’s fashion comes out as one of the biggest factors that pose a threat to Rwandan culture. Some people, especially the youth, walk around in ripped jeans and other outfits in the name of trends… yet it’s against our culture. Through this fashion show, we can save our culture, and we are doing this for a good cause,” said Ngabitsinze.

"Designers already have so many trendy clothes in store that look decent on people because we want to stick to our culture. We want to use our platform to show that the true beauty of a Rwandan is found when they are fully-dressed,” he added.

So far, eight local designers and one international designer have already confirmed their participation at the show.They include Mundi Designs, Ambara Super, Willy Mahama, Gogo Couture, Keza Couture, Lii Collections, Maman Karim Décor and Aesthetic Designs as well as Kangangi Matenge all the way from Central African Republic.

A total of 25 models will be hitting the runway during the fashion show, fit in different fashion outfits made by the designers on the lineup.

On the eve of the show, panel discussions will bring different players in the fashion sector, especially models, designers and journalists who report about fashion, to discuss how best Rwandans should be dressed and how fashion can be a tool to boost our culture, rather than threaten it.

Entrance fee is Rwf5 000 (regular), Rwf10 000 (VIP), and Rwf100 000 (a table of eight).