The second edition of The Stage Fashion Showcase is around the corner as the fashion world looks forward to celebrating the best of works and latest collections produced by Rwandan designers. A pre-event for the fashion saw show organiser and super model Sandrine Mucyo, also known as Ssanduina, give a glimpse of what fashion enthusiasts will witness during the main event set for November 1 at Mundi Center. Hosted by fashion journalist Christian Nzaramba, the pre-event saw a host models selected from a recent casting, showcasing some of the finest works by Rwandan designers at Institut Français. “It’s true you bring the industry together and we can see that through tonight’s event. It was a pleasure to have since June during the rehearsals, it was always lovely and lively with all these talents,” said Matilda Mangeot, the show cultural and communication officer. Designers who showcased their collections included up and coming designer Lisa crochet in her Glory Winter collection, Promesse house collection, Era Crown showcasing his 90s to the 50s collection, Safa and Matheo Maurice. International model Evelyne, who was also present at the event, coached the models who showcased the designers’ works. Having been in the industry for three years, 22-year-old designer Queen Raissa, the owner of the Lycer Crochet, says that fashion shows gives her courage and confidence for her future work as a designer. Among famous individuals who were present at the event include Rwanda Clothing owner, Franco Kabano, Isimbi Model, DJ Lamper, Boukuru. The inaugural edition of The Stage Fashion Showcase which took place in October, 2023 at Kigali Marriott Hotel, hardly lived up to its hype but Ssanduina promised fashion enthusiasts that the second edition will be different. “During the first edition, I was disappointed so I didn’t know it would turn out like this. Now I hope to see you all on November 1, in big numbers and I can’t wait for you to see what we prepared for you,” she said. All the 25 models who passed the casting joined Ssanduina on stage and she thanked them for their hard working spirit and talent. “I’m not that rich but I want you all to shine,” she told the models. This edition saw over 400 models register for casting but only 60 made it through earlier before the number was cut to 25 to fit in Ssanduina’s budget. The Stage is a hub for models that is not only geared towards booking talent on a national level but also towards planning a fashion show. It also aims at bringing together well-known creatives from around the globe for a networking, conversational, celebratory, and experiential fashion experience, but most importantly for developing skills.
