Rwanda’s fashion industry has been enjoying a remarkable recognition on the global scene. At first, it was fashion designers whose collections have been embraced by world’s top celebrities; and now, a new generation of models continues to run the show at international runways and gracing the pages of prestigious fashion magazines. From New York to Paris and Milan to the United Kingdom, Rwandan models have transcended local fame to become familiar faces in the competitive global fashion industry. In no particular order, The New Times looks at the top 10 Rwandan supermodels that are taking it to the world, explore their journeys and milestones. Denyse Mushikiwabo Mushikiwabo is already cementing her name on the global modeling scene, having hit runways for a host of world’s renowned fashion brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Balmain Paris, Victoria Beckam, Carven, Gucci, Prada and Dolce Gabbana, just to mention a few. The Rwandan model’s talent was discovered by various management agencies like The Wave, Select Models Paris and Muse Model NYC among many others. She successfully passed different castings and hence seized every opportunity presented to her to reach the spotlight. She’s now among most sought-after Rwanda models considering the fashions she headlined. Christine Munezero The 26-year-old model continues to fly Rwandan flag high at the international fashion arena, gracing major brands at noteworthy events such as Milan Fashion Week, Paris Fashion, London Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week to list a few. Munezero works with famous fashion lines in the world such as Maison Valentino, Maison Malgiela, Chloe, Dior, Versace, Maxmara, Gucci, Courrèges, Giambattiste Vali and others. Esther Niyirera Niyirera made her debut modeling career in early 2024 when she found herself among five Rwandan models who participated at the Paris Fashion Week. The platform since opened many doors for the young but talented model who rose to fame under the management of Isis Model Africa, Metropolitan Models group and Muse Management NYC among others. She is one of Rwanda’s most promising models considering that, since the beginning of 2024, she successfully worked with various fashion brands from United Kingdom, Italy and France. Anipha Umufite At 23, Umufite is enjoying the best moments and milestones of her modeling career since she was introduced to the international scene after passing the model casting by the Hunt Management. She has since headlined a series of international fashion shows across the global showcasing collections of big houses like Prada, Fendi, Dior, Hermes, Adidas Y3 and Dolce & Gabbana among others. ALSO READ: From a quitter to renowned model – the story of Umufite The young top model, commonly known on stages as Anipha Kay, in 2022 won lucrative deal to not only do commercials for Kanye West’s collection 'Yeezy Gap' but also feature in the same magazine with renowned world’s top model Naomi Campbell. With the deal, she had her photos in the American musician's collection published in the 2023 edition of London-based popular fashion and culture magazine Re-edition Magazine, with Campbell being at the cover of the mag. In May 2024, Umufite also featured in Vogue Italia, one of world’s top fashion magazines. Before venturing modeling world, she was a journalist at Isango Star, a Kigali-based radio and Television station. The Hunt Management, Elite Modeling Agency Network and Society Management are the agencies that are currently managing Umufite. Jennifer Girukwishaka Girukwishaka is one of the biggest models representing Rwanda at global fashion stages. It was in October 2021 when she first appeared in an international fashion show in Paris, France and her journey has been nothing short of spectacular, from one runway to another. She is under modeling agencies from Italy, England, France, USA and Uno models based in Barcelona and Madrid. Ines Pamela Pamela’s modeling journey took shape in 2021 with assistance from Rwandan modeling agency, ‘We Best Models Management’ owned by acclaimed modelling pioneer Franco Kabano. She has since participated at different prestigious runways in the world. Among many runways that she graced include the iconic Louis Vuitton show in London, Paris Fashion Week representing Bamain’s collection, Bottega Veneta ss23 and British luxury fashion show, Alexander McQueen among others. Morella Isheja The 21-year-old is among the youngest Rwandan models making waves at the international fashion stages, after impressing at London Fashion Week and at the Paris Fashion Week, where she appeared in two concerts named Courreges and Giambattist. In 2021, Isheja attended the Miss Rwanda beauty contest and she made it in the top 10 finalists. Kentha Kirezi Kirezi is Isheja’s sister. The Rwandan model is making a name for herself as part of emerging talents in the fashion industry. She lived her dream when she walked alongside Naomie Campbell and Winnie Harlow at London Fashion Week. She is currently under the management of various agencies like Isis Models Africa, Mirrrs Model Management, Milk Model Management and Two Management Barcelona. Ornella Umutoni Umutoni was also among the five models who presented designs at the Paris Fashion Week in February 2024. She presented Loewe, Hermes and MIU MIU designs. In December 2023, she was styled by Anne Rabeux in Brussels, Belgium. Umutoni is signed under modeling agencies based in the USA, Italy, France, Barcelona and Greece. Claude Niyonizeye Claude Niyonizeye, a rising star in the fashion industry. He ventured into modeling as a career in 2022, introduced by his mother agency Webest Model Management. Niyonizeye, who is currently managed by French modeling agency Select Model Paris as well as Wave Management and Two Management New York, is quickly making his mark on international runways like Paris and Milan Fashion weeks. He walked for renowned Japanese Fashion House Mihara Yasuhiro during the 2024 ParisFashion Week.
