Fashion/Style: Children too have taste!

Ok. Parents should now stop hassling, trying to find the best outfits for their children. The good news is that children’s fashion has made a comeback with the latest trends. Many parents have been used to buying clothes that do not “match” with the traditional concept of fashion. The previous generation of our great-grandparents, the term ‘fashion’ was rare in African societies. The only type of clothing was a skin, or a small piece of fabric to only cover their loins. But today, things have changed, and the current generation has broken a few rules due to the influence of the western fashion industry. Peter Nsengiyumva, a father of a 12-year-old girl, says that his daughter is obsessed with fashion and that the way she vigilantly selects her styles, makes him realise how trends have taken over Africa’s traditionalism. When it comes to fashion, children are keener and have more choices than adults often realise. They clearly observe their parents’ wardrobes, and are often attracted to celebrity programmes which help them to identify the latest styles. “We children, like adults, are crazy about new trends. However, we are often misled by our parents who tend to buy for us clothes which are out-of-date,” Anita Uwase, 15, says. Parents should understand that shopping for their children is not just a question of fulfilling their obligation as parents, but a little more sense of style is required. Many parents will confess that it’s a trial and error, while others will be making dreadful fashion blunders for their children on a daily basis. Children’s clothing industry in the developed world is glowing with optimism. The style hypothesis of children’s fashion has increased on the markets worldwide, and given the fact that children are young adults, it has enhanced on the emerging market. Mary Mukabaranga, a shop assistant advises parents and guardians not to be blinded by trends but should also consider comfort. According to her, being trendy is relative depending on the weather and environment. “If the outfit is meant for winter and you buy it for a child in Rwanda, that child will definitely find if difficult wearing it in Kigali’s hot weather,” she notes. There is always a variety of clothes to choose from any boutique for your child. It’s just a matter of knowing how to balance sides, being trendy and realistic. Barbara Agasaro owner of Toddler’s Boutique, emphasises that colourful clothes are not only hot on adults, but also flatter children’s looks. Agasaro also states that flowered fabrics are timeless, especially when it comes to children’s wear. “Designers have used brighter colours to make those beautiful girls look more gorgeous.” Claudine Umutoni, 32, makes a monthly expenditure to her daughter Karen Keza, 13. She says that spends approximately Rfw300.000 on her daughter’s wardrobe and shoe-rack, in just one season. “She is the only child I have, and I’m so glad to spend on her,” Umutoni says. She is not alone, there are many parents in Rwanda who are willing to spend large sums of money on their children’s wardrobes and shoe closets, thus introducing them indirectly into the fashion world (the apex ), which may be a bit different to survive if her/his world turns upside down...God forbid! Contact: lindaonly2005@yahoo.com