Meet ‘AntoMigno’: Rwanda’s ‘twinning’ couple

They probably have been a common figure on your Instagram and Facebook feed who could have caught your eye for dressing alike. Well, 30 year old Antoine Iyamuremye, a businessman and marketeer for a corporate company in Rwanda and 24 year old Aurore Mignone, a university student at University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies, who have taken social media by storm are not married neither are they engaged. They are merely dating. The couple also known as AntoMigno, a name that was given to them by a close friend, chose to follow the trend of dressing alike, also commonly known as ‘twinning,’ but what makes them stand out is their daily routine as opposed to other couples. “This is a new trend but even though couples choose to dress up in the same outfit on few occasions, we chose to make it an icon to define who we are as a couple and the love for each other,” the seemingly shy Mignone says. Iyamuremye also explains that fashion has been part of his career, as he has organized beauty pageants and managed a modeling agency before. “I have always been passionate about keeping up with the latest fashion trends. It’s an important aspect of who I am. It’s an experience of art and to me it enhances my confidence and calmness. It’s an essential part of my life, it’s an inspiration, portrays joy and the motivation to creatively utilize my fashion trends. I aspire to be a fashion icon that finds inspiration in Afro-modern attires,” Iyamuremye says. They have several designers that tailor and choose their outfit, including designer Jemimah Kakizi, although they usually do the choice of outfit and shopping themselves. To them, the trend is a symbol of their love and respect for each other as a couple and to maintain it, communication is key, which they say have strengthened their relationship. Iyamuremye also notes that their passion for dressing alike is as a result of coincidence that they experienced when they had just started dating. “A mutual friend had invited each one of us for a party. Coincidentally, we turned up at the party wearing similar colours and because the guests knew of our relationship, they complimented us on our smartness. That is how the idea came up,” he narrates. Asked whether they have received negative feedback from the public, Mignone is quick to answer that even if they were to receive any backlash it wouldn’t change their choice as they love what they do. “We haven’t had any form of backlash from the public. Fortunately for us, we both enjoy it. My friends and family love what we do and we are happy,” she says. Iyamuremye is quick to chip in that despite their decision to make the trend part of their daily routine, the couple on several occasions dress up alike, without their knowledge. “Sometimes she posts pictures of herself, only to find myself wearing the same color. Even when we do not plan to, we find ourselves dressing alike. Even when they do not have the time to buy the clothes, they agree on what the attire for the next day.” As a result of their ‘twinning’, the couple has not only attracted the attention of social media users, but also fashion designers who have signed modeling contracts with them to showcase their clothes as far as Germany. “Fashion is an expression of life - our fashion sense celebrates the rich African style fabrics. We believe that it’s essential to try many things in life. Even though we twin for particular occasions, we hope to keep at that,” Iyamuremye says. They have since opened a joint Instagram account, AntoMigno where they post their photos and want to use it as a commercial brand. How the couple met Iyamuremye and Mignone met through a mutual friend at a wedding which they both attended. They exchanged contacts then and the rest is history. “I was attracted to her gentleness and kindness. She is also a good listener and understands me well,” Iyamuremye speaks of Mignone. To this day they attend parties and social gatherings together and their desire to dress alike, is what has caught the public eye. They plan to seal their love in matrimony once Mignone, currently in her third year, graduates from university and they hope to keep up with the trend. Communication being key in their relationship has enabled them stand the test of time, as they are quick to resolve any disagreements amongst them. “Every beginning of year, we make New Year resolutions together and work towards achieving them together. Our relationship has improved over the years because we want to grow together,” Iyamuremye says. They advise couples to do the same and plan their future together as this will also bring a bond in their relationship. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Meet ‘AntoMigno’: Rwanda’s ‘twinning’ couple