[PHOTOS]: 'Timeless Kitenge' takes centre stage at African print themed dinner

The Kitenge is a renowned colourful African print fabric that’s common in many African countries, especially in Central and West Africa. While fashion trends come and go, the Kitenge continues to evolve with times. It is against this background that a Kitenge dress code dinner was organised to recognise the fabric. The Kitenge themed dinner took place at Kigali’s car ree zone area in the central business district on Saturday. The African print material was showcased in different designs and creations, all in honour of the fabric, which is also popular in Rwanda. A model dons a Kitenge shirt The event that was organised by Business Mag, a monthly business publication, and it was aimed at promoting locally made products, particularly from Kitenge fabric and to support the upcoming designers in Rwanda. The fairly attended event was graced by François Kanimba, the Minister for Trade, Industry and East African Community affairs, who drummed up support for Made-in-Rwanda campaign. The minister toured the exhibition area before taking his seat for the runway show. Kanimba said the Government will continue to support the fashion industry not only to take advantage of the domestic market but also target regional and global markets. He said the local fashion industry has potential to employ more young people. “We have realised this is an industry that continues to create more jobs for our youth, thereby helping address the issue of unemployment,” said Kanimba. Minister Kanimba, touring the stands of different Kitenge fashion designers during the exhibition. The minister added that as more people embrace Made-in-Rwanda products, the country makes more gains in efforts to ensure its self-reliance and dignity, and urged citizens to buy locally made clothes rather than second-hand clothes. Colourful, stylish, unique and classy wear made in Kitenge were showcased. Besides clothes, home décor, bags, necklaces and shoes all made out of the fabric were also on display. The event featured four local designers and one from Ugandan. They displayed their creations at the runway as models clad in different designs made by each individual designer. Ki-pepeo Kids Clothing by Priscillah Umutashya Ruzibuka opened the show with children modelling for those who attended. The kids brought life to the event as many were delighted by their skills as they displayed kids wear. Kimironko-based Igitenge Fashion House, owned by Sunday Justin, showcased shimmering long and descent gowns which caught everyone’s attention. All dressed in Kitenge outfits, revelers were delighted by the show. HR Boutique Shop, by Hakym Reagan, who started his fashion design career in the U.S, also impressed fashion lovers with its women’s wear and accessories, including shoes and bags. Fashion designer Hakym Reagan of HR Boutique Shop, addressing the audience. Other designers like House of Hipo, by Jordan Hirwa, and Namanya Fashion House, by Namanya Edina, also displayed their skills in design with numerous shorts, shirts, jumpsuits and off-the-shoulder tops which impressed the audience. Guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner and good music before the show ended at around 10p.m. A young model on the catwalk. A model posing in shorts and a scarf made out of kitenge prints. A young model lines up a pose in a Kitenge outfit before the audience. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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[PHOTOS]: 'Timeless Kitenge' takes centre stage at African print themed dinner