Have you ever slipped into a garment tailored just for you? There’s nothing quite like it. From the beauty of the design to the feel of the texture, both on the surface and underneath, all aspects lend themselves to looking your very best. 

An important element tailors say, is to make a made-to-measure outfit that is the cut of the garment. A custom-made piece of clothing will make you feel and look good, adding to your confidence, poise, and refinement.

 Peter Uwikunda discovered this reality in 2018 while he was doing computer electronics in secondary school. The 25-year-old is an artist who specializes in the art of tailoring. He is the founder of X-value, a local fashion brand based in Kigali city. His dream is to add sparks to the art of tailoring. He joined the field four years ago and has since grown a deep attachment to this profession. 

Some of the clothes that he makes.

Uwikunda says starting off was not easy at all as he faced many challenges that would have stopped him from following his career. "My family wouldn’t understand how and why I wanted to venture in tailoring. At the time, it was hard for them to believe in what I was doing as they believed that tailoring is a craft that is limited in subjects it can address, and in terms of the financial gains it can yield,’’ he says.

Uwikunda revealed that even though he was inspired by his mother who has been a tailor as long as he can remember since he was in primary school, she didn’t understand his idea of venturing into tailoring as a profession.

"It was too hard for her to understand why I wanted to join her career. I remember that she used to spend days at home instead of going to work because she didn’t want me to follow her. By the time she started to understand my calling. I used to cut tissues the wrong way until she realized it and she would show me a proper way to do it. I am grateful that she is now my supporter and she helped me through it all,’’ he shared

"Clothing is an important part of our society. People practice self-expression by the clothes they wear. People make careers out of studying clothing and fashion. Tailors and dressmakers are the people who make these outfits of clothing for others to wear,’’ he added.

Among the many projects he has worked on so far, Uwikunda takes on small and big plans, including, working with different local celebrities including Kivumbi King, Chris Eazy, Bushaali, Shanitah Umunyana, and also making clothes for different occasions like weddings, Halloween outfits among others. He says he has also started receiving orders from abroad.

"I started off working on small projects like making outfits for my close friends and with time, I improved. Soon I will be working on very big projects such as making outfits for other different big occasions such as parties, gala nights, and more,” he says.

Though he has always been passionate about the art of tailoring, in his own words, he has had many dreams before recently finding his calling.

"I remember when I was in high school I was both a fashion model and a basketball player. Even though I was passionate about fashion, my love for tailoring kept pushing me to think out of box and I came up with an idea that will keep me closer within fashion career," he shared

He revealed that among the reasons he enjoys doing art of tailoring is that it helps him to express himself and to think bigger.

"Through sewing, I can express myself as it doesn't have specific formulas. For me everything I can see is art and this art makes me think bigger. The process of sewing requires concentration and hand-eye coordination, which helps with cognitive development and the development of motor skills. Sewing encourages creative thinking and enhances knowledge, which can help with problem-solving in other areas of your life,’’ he notes.

Uwikunda also highlighted that he prefers being called a tailor rather than a fashion designer as he believes there is a huge difference between a tailor and a fashion designer.

 "A tailor customizes an outfit according to the preference of the client, whereas fashion designers create a line of clothing or a collection for people who shop around the year. A tailor sews an outfit taking into consideration the client's preference, measurements, and latest trends,’’

Talking about his future plans, Uwikunda says that he wants to keep on growing in his career. He is also looking for ways to offer job opportunities to other talented and interested people, especially the youth.

Uwikunda also advises parents to support and guide their children's talents without hesitation as it helps them to be more creative and innovate new things as well.

He also advises youth to start chasing their dreams and to never consider challenges but instead to adapt to all the possible ways to start.

"Most importantly, I am proof to the young generation that it is still possible to be creative and innovative. It is possible to achieve your goals, you have to just stand your ground,” he notes.

You can reach Peter Uwikunda at 0780450267