Rwandan designer brand, Moses Turahirwa, was this week announced among the 2020 finalists of Fashion Focus Africa, the talent-scouting arm of Lagos Fashion Week. Turahirwa is also a model. Courtesy. The year-long programme will provide finalists with coaching in business development as well as creative workshops, mentorship from various experts, and the opportunity to apply for Fashion Focus Fund, a financial grant for their business. This program aims to leave designers well-equipped to succeed in the fashion industry. Turahirwa is the founder of Moshions fashion brand and a model. Moshions is an elegant, culturally inspired brand. His designs are inspired by Rwandan culture. Courtesy. Linda Mukangoga, of Haute Baso, was one of last year’s finalists of Fashion Focus Africa. According to organisers, the nationalities represented are a testament to Fashion Focus’ efforts to facilitate pan-African collaboration and generate impact beyond the Nigerian borders. Applications were received from a range of applicants across the continent and five finalists were selected based on the strength of their creative and commercial proposals by the judging panel which included Allesandra Della Morte, Fashion Editor – Vogue Talents, Ijeoma Ogbechie – Founder Avivere, Maki Nakata – Freelance journalist, Branding Director & Advisor with a special focus on African perspectives, and Nisha Kanabar – Founder & CEO of Industrie Africa, at an interview session during Heineken Lagos Fashion Week 2019. Other finalists that were announced include, Taju Ibrahim – TJWho (Nigeria), Kadiata Diallo- Niuku (Mauritania), David Dodoo – Chiip O’Neal (Ghana), Elfreda Fakoya – Elfreda (Nigeria). Over the years, Fashion Focus Africa has established itself as a platform dedicated to the development of designers within the fashion ecosystem across the African continent. Consequently, it has maintained a year-long-incubator program to support designers by assisting them with establishing the right structure and practices to facilitate scalability and business growth. Some of the garments displayed inside Moshions in Kigali. Courtesy.
