Inaugural Fashion Awards marred by hitches

It was an evening fashion lovers looked forward to but no one could predict chaos and drama that characterised the Red Carpet Fashion Awards on Friday at Sports View Hotel in Remera, Kigali. First, the event took long to start as the emcees tried to buy time by engaging the crowd. Eventually several upcoming artistes and dance groups set the stage for the highly anticipated fashion awards. A shirtless six foot male model in short jeans and body paint from Hunter Hills Agency kicked off the evening before other fashion agencies such as Rusaro Glamorous designs displayed their own creations. The conference hall was packed to capacity. Apart from fashion and design houses or modeling agencies, individual models like Eric Ngoboka and Joana Keza also had their chance to show what they can do on the runway. But then as things warmed up, sound failed at some point leading to an awkward silence. Murmurs began to emerge from the audience but good enough the technician managed to fix the problem in time. The sound glitch was soon forgotten as models again hit the runway, one by one, costume after costume, as the crowd shouted and cheered each one of them. It was indeed a night of fashion. But then more drama unfolded. When the emcees announced that the jury was tallying the results, a designer jumped on stage and expressed his displeasure – that not all agencies had showcased their works. Pacifique Rwemalira in a fancy business collection. A row ensued between the designer and an usher. Fortunately, Frank Axel Nyabagabo, the main organiser of the event, intervened. Thanks to the displeased designer, all the remaining agencies were given a chance to come and showcase their designs before the judges could tally. In between, there was some entertainment from a few dance crews and artists, with underground hip-hop group Concretz most appreciated by the audience. After all was said and done, Fashion Killers took the best fashion Agency award, while Pacifique Rwemarika and Gretha Teta from Beauty and Fashion Agency were voted the best male & female model, respectively. Nyabagabo said that indeed some things did not go well during the inaugural fashion awards but promised to do better next time. “This is a first for us and it didn’t go well but it is going to be a lesson for us. Nonetheless, I was surprised by the turn-up and enthusiasm. And, there was a sense of competition between designers and fashion houses. Next season will be better,” Nyabagabo said. According to Fred Cesar Mwerekande, the co-organiser, everything was done on the last minute, including booking the venue, but hastened to add that the next awards will be better organised. Arnaud Kayiranga Shema, the manager of Beauty and Fashion Agency, whose models emerged the best, appreciated the initiators of the Awards which he says recognise the role of the fashion industry. Hunter Hills parade their models for the crowd “We are happy to have this opportunity to show case our designs. With better organisation, we think the outcome of such events that recognise fashion can be immense. We hope to be able to sell some outfits soon.” Alex Cyusa, a model with First Fit design and a basketballer, said: “We enjoyed the reaction we got from the crowd who have seen us play before and were surprised by our African wear” Nevertheless, despite the hitches, it was a night of fashion, one that presented a glimmer of hope that the industry can after all blossom.

Entertainment

Inaugural Fashion Awards marred by hitches