RENOWNED FASHION DESIGNER Francis Iraguha has bounced back with various new designs in the ‘Ijambo’ collection. Based in Rwanda, Francis Zahabu is a fashion brand owned by Francis Iraguha since 2010. Iraguha started his career as a stylist and followed his passion for creating his brand. He is a renowned fashion designer and a renowned actor in many famous series like City maid. Following a hiatus, Francis Zahabu Brand recently unveiled a new collection named ‘Ijambo collection,’ which Iraguha claims depicts his feelings and how he remains hopeful in all he does. “I want to continue the journey I started because I have to keep leveling up Zahabu brand in the fashion industry,” said Iraguha. The whole collection was released in September. There’s always a showcase for every different design each Tuesday and Friday, which Francis said has attracted a lot of attention from the public. “This new collection has a touch of our culture to it, and we can wear it wherever,” Iraguha said of the new collection. Some of the Francis Zahabu collections that have been popular are; ‘Zahabu’ in 2010, ‘Ducyenyere’ in 2012 and, ‘Signature’ in 2014 to 2016. As the fashion business in Rwanda continues to expand at a fast pace, the artist is resuming his career with unique designs. “As a fashion designer, I got the grace to know God along the way, which made me realise that all my achievements are thanks to him, and I will achieve more,” said Iraguha when asked about his inspiration to create. He added that his everyday life and the status quo of Rwanda’s fashion industry are among the things that inspired him to come up with the Ijambo collection. “I wanted to change the image of the Francis Zahabu brand in people’s eyes and show them that they can wear good local designs anywhere anytime,” said Iraguha. “We have to normalise wearing an outfit expressing our culture, not necessarily going for a special event,” he added. Iraguha mentioned that he would continue pursuing and enjoying God’s gift to him, plus contributing to the Made in Rwanda initiative at any cost any time. “I have always believed we will achieve big since day one. I fight to see Francis Zahabu becoming a big brand at an international level,” he said The artist said there are big plans ahead, including helping young minds achieve big things in the Rwandan fashion industry. “One day, my country and I will achieve sustainable and constant progress in the fashion business,” Iraguha said. After more than a month of showcasing his new collection, the showcasing will end in three weeks.
