Rwanda fashion upgrade showcases amazing designs

On Saturday evening fashion lovers were treated to a collection of wonderful designs during the Rwanda fashion upgrade event organised by Rwanda Clothing, at the New Papyrus, in Kimihurura.

Sunday, August 25, 2013
Alexia Uwera Mupende hits the stage with a cross section of models at the Rwanda Fashion Upgrade.

On Saturday evening fashion lovers were treated to a collection of wonderful designs during the Rwanda fashion upgrade event organised by Rwanda Clothing, at the New Papyrus, in Kimihurura.The fashion show which was well attended exhibited different varieties of materials and fabrics that demonstrated how the Rwandan fashion industry has evolved over the years.The designs which featured male and female outfits had a local and international touch. They were all designed by Joselyn Umutoniwase, the founder of Rwanda Clothing. The event which lasted for only one hour, started at 8pm with the first set of models hitting the runway in style as they displayed different collections for both men and women ranging from evening gowns, casual weekend designs as well as holiday wear.Also showcased were office costumes and summer outfits as the sizeable crowd cheered. About seventeen professional models, who included 12 females and 6 males, displayed their skills on the catwalk to the delight of fashion lovers.Umutoniwase’s designs turned out to be unique in terms of quality and couture, having managed to successfully mix Rwandan fabrics with those from region and beyond.She used four colour themes which included yellow, blue, white and gold to match with the event. The set up in the New Papyrus ground floor hall also matched the theme colours, which made the whole event colourful.Over Fifty outfits that were showcased at the fashion show had both an African and Western touch. From see through, broaden to flexible materials which were transformed into casual, beach wear, evening wear, wedding gowns, office wear, relaxing shots  and various outfits, Umutoniwase proved her worth.In an interview with The New Times, Umutoniwase said that there has been a big change in this year’s fashion show. "We have to keep our designs special and that is why we are stuck on a genuine combination of both Africa and international fabrics. These interest fashion lovers and designers and for us colours matter a lot in our designs,” she said.She added that, she was excited about the turn up which is a sign of the growth of fashion industry and fashion conscience among Rwandans."I appreciate the sponsors, especially the media for the publicity, the great team and the management of Papyrus for the great support and commitment towards this event,” she said. Tekle Musie, one of the models said the designs used this time were unique which shows that Rwanda has upcoming good fashion stars and designers.Rwanda Clothing is designed by Umutoniwase, who started working as a fashion designer in 2010. She launched her own fashion house, Rwanda Clothing Home in Kigali in February 2012. Rwanda Clothing combines classic and traditional styles with modern cuts and design, creating looks that are both casual and stylish.