PHOTOS: Designers serve it sizzling at Kigali Fashion Week

The Kigali Fashion Week finale on Saturday night at Kigali Serena Hotel was worth the hype it generated in the build up to the event. Revellers had enough to optically feast on as designers served sizzling styles during the 7th edition of the annual event. Fashionistas from across the country and beyond flocked the venue as early as 6:30pm and people were still purchasing tickets by 9pm. The show kicked off at exactly 8pm, featuring a total number of 17 designers, both international and local. Designers came from Sweden, Japan, USA, Canada, Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Uganda and Burundi. The runway was lit with various tastes in design and tailoring, and attire from ready-to-wear to costume was displayed. This yearâs event was highly attended. Weya Viatora entertains the audience. Male and female designers displayed unique attire on the runway.Â One of the designers (middle) poses with her models David Gulu from DR Congo (centre) with his models. Clothes such as coats, tops, shirts, trousers, dresses and gowns were displayed at the show. They ranged from casual, corporate to wedding attire and swim suits. Individuality and creativity was evident. However, a general observation was that the African print (kitenge) was most commonly used. For some designers, it was well matched and blended with other fabrics to give a modern look. HR Boutique Shopâs Hakym Raegan made a stunning debut at Kigali Fashion Week. The designer dressed 40 male and female models in African print themed attire. Different fabric including silk, cotton, chiffon and batik, among others was also used for the designs. A model displays one of the many male shirts on the runway. A modern attire from Raegan Hakym collection. Attire by Inkanda Designs. Guests at the fashion show. Happy Umurerwa, the face of Kigali Fashion Week, graced the show. Josette Umurerwa of YOveta and her partner Nancy Zeller. Minister for Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs, Seraphine Mukantabana, and UNHCR country director Saber Azam during the show on Saturday. Models display Reagan Hakyms collection. One of the dresses from Umva Designs. Some of the creative designs from Tanga Designs. The stage and runway. Knitted clothes were also displayed in Ahmedy Kamakizaâs collection. Kamakiza, a Rwandan-Canadian designer, used an outstanding black and white colour theme which he said represented âa new beginning.â âIt is my first time to showcase in my country and so I wanted it to be unique with great colours such as white and black,â he said. Umva Designs, a fashion house from the USA, displayed chic dresses made from locally dyed silk fabric that gave them a kitenge look. Collaborating with YOveta Designs, the designers said they were inspired by plants or nature as well as everyday fashion that people would want to wear. Charlotte Mushikiwabo, one of the fashionistas who had attended the show, believes Rwandaâs fashion industry is growing. âLooking at the participation of the many international designers, this is a sign of appreciation to our local industry,â said Mushikiwabo. Drinks were served in plenty and attendees were also kept entertained by Radio and TV personality Makeda Mahadeo, the emcee of the night. Cynthia Rupari of Rupari Designs who showcased a blue and black collection wrapped up the show at around 11:30pm. The turn-up was impressive and guests were treated to an after party at the Kigali City Tower rooftop. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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PHOTOS: Designers serve it sizzling at Kigali Fashion Week