2021 began with a lot of anticipation as the world was hitting the third wave of the pandemic. However, as the year progressed, a lot was created and improved in the Rwandan Fashion industry. New Fashion designers are on the rise, plus many exhibitions and events to showcase, exhibit, and honor fashion in Rwanda.
Before we bid goodbye to this year, we look back at fashion highlights of 2021;
Moshions’ Imandwa collection and dressing Miss Rwanda.
Shortly after Moshions’ owner Moses Turahirwa earned his master’s degree in Collection Design at the Italian Fashion School Polimoda, the fashion house launched their new collection dubbed ‘Moshions SS22: Imandwa Collection’ in an incredible exhibition that lasted three days. The display of the Imandwa collection was meant to spark debates about gender fluidity in fashion and toxic masculinity, and it succeeded in doing so. However, the audience was taken aback by the expensive pricing of pieces in the Imandwa collection, with some pieces fetching more than Rwf2 million.
As a year-end twist on December 6, in Puerto Rico, Miss Rwanda Grace Ingabire donned a Moshions dress as she contested in the ongoing Miss World 2021. The dress sparked a debate on social media with some blaming the management, others blamed the designer for choosing an ill-fitting dress, while others concluded it was just poorly worn.
Five Rwandan models participate in Paris Fashion week
On October 2, this year, five Rwandan models from a local modeling agency took part in the in Paris Fashion Week, showcasing collections by renowned international fashion designers.
The models who are from WeBest Models were Christine Munezero, Morella Isheja, Ines Pamela, Ornella Umutoni, and Jennifer Girukwishaka. Not only did the models showcase designs at the Milan fashion week SS22, but they also took the lead at the fashion show’s runway that was held from September 27 to October 5.
Renowned fashion designer Francis Zahabu bounces back in the industry
Famous fashion designer Zahabu Iraguha, after a few years of not operating, bounced back with fresh collections, which he called the ‘Ijambo collection.’ The brand, which Francis Iraguha owns, has so far many collections out including; ‘Zahabu’ in 2010, ‘Ducyenyere’ in 2012 and, ‘Signature’ from 2014 to 2016. The fashion designer claims the new collection depicts his feelings and how he remains hopeful in all he does.
The rise of Urutozi Gakondo brand
This year also brought the rise of many fashion designers including Urutozi Gakondo, a brand owned by a Rwandan Fashion designer Deodactus Amini. In 2018, Amini began designing costume notions for men, and in 2019-20, he started doing mockups of costumes. In 2020, he officially began working as a fashion designer with his own company, Urutozi Gakondo, producing hoodies, T-shirts, shirts, and specific costumes in various colors.
Additionally, Urutozi Gakondo opened a branch in Dubai, which is another milestone in taking the Rwandan fashion industry to another level. Urutozi Gakondo also collaborated with a Canadian clothing brand called VETTERO and made a lot of costumes together, and have so far put a lot of ideas together. This year, brought rise to many more fashion designers to Rwanda, namely The Mysteries, KGL(Kigali guardian for life), Berabose Designs, and Ibisazi designers.
Uzuri K&Y among six finalists of the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge
Renowned shoe brand Uzuri K&Y, owned by Kevine Kagirimpundu & Ysolde Shimwe, made it tothe top six finalists for the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge. The Rwandan fashion house, which is specialised in footwear, is among the elite finalists in the renowned fashion brand’s program, which "strives to continue amplifying and supporting black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs, who are working to advance their communities while fostering a more inclusive future of fashion.
The six finalists are set to pitch their business plans to a panel of judges, consisting of business and sustainability leaders, at the final virtual global event from January 12 to 13, 2022.
Two chosen winners will be rewarded with €200,000, and also receive a year-long mentorship with both Tommy Hilfiger and INSEAD experts as well as a place in the INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship Programme (ISEP).
Bianca Baby’s Fashion Hub
Daphine Uwamwezi Mugire, better known as Bianca Baby on Isibo TV’s Take Over show and also a fashion aficionado, recognised Rwandan fashion in an event dubbed ‘Fashion Hub ’held this year on October 23.
The event, according to Uwamwezi, was held to bring together a diversity of freelancing designers to showcase their most recent individual creations. Many well-known Rwandan artists attended the fashion show, each dressed by their fashion designer. Uwamwezi aims to create a state-of-the-art fashion showroom for all kinds of fashion enthusiasts in the future and host more red carpet events. According to Uwamwezi, the event demonstrated the Rwandan youth’s desire for fashion as well as the potential to expand the Rwandan fashion industry, in which Uwamwezi will play a role.
Moshion’s Imandwa Collection.
Some of the guests at Bianca’s Fashion show. File photos