Kitenge: The attire of all seasons

African fabric mostly referred to as Kitenge is one of the most adored attires today. The fabric was mainly known for making gowns for women, but now it has transformed and is used to make bags, shoes, trousers, suits, caps, hair bands, bangles and even earrings. This glamorous outfit has worked all year round and it is best worn in calm and bright colours. The styles are trendy since they are flattering and perfect. The piece is also versatile; one can put on Kitenge any day and at any occasion. You can pull off any look ranging from official to casual look. Designers have modified this fabric to make it more beautiful by coming up with various styles. Joy Uwimana is a designer and owner of Joy Little Boutique at Kigali city market. She says that African prints (Kitenge) are a great outfit and there are a thousand ways one can look great in it. “A Kitenge gown which has been made using different colours, like calm fabrics such as blue or green on the upper side, and then bright colours below fares well with big earrings of the same colour used in the lower part of the gown. Go for medium skirts or dress if at work or on a formal occasion,” she says. She adds that kitenge brings out graciousness in someone as long they know how to rock it. “For instance, a Kitenge fabric bag can be used to accessorize your look if you are wearing a dress that doesn’t have many colours. If you go for a fabric that has many colours, opt for a skirt. The best way to tone it down is to balance it with a plain blouse, sweater or a blazer,” she says James Habimana makes earrings, bags and bangles from the fabric at Kimironko market. He says that most people go for the ones with Kitenge make because they are of high quality. “I sell all types of earrings, bangles and bags, but those made from Kitenge fabric are on high demand, even from white people. These accessories help ladies to flatter their outfit, because they find them to be fun, for example big earrings look great with a dress of small patterns and thin bangles look better with a three quarter fitting jacket,” Habimana says. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

Lifestyle

Kitenge: The attire of all seasons