2022 was good for the local fashion industry as the creative and arts sector in Rwanda recovered from the pandemic and attracted more quality players. The rise of new fashion designers and exhibitions that showcase, showcase and celebrate fashion in Rwanda shows that the fashion scene is growing from time to time as the country positions itself to become the next fashion hub.
Before we say goodbye to this year, we take a look back at the fashion highlights of 2022.
Moses Turahirwa won ASFA 2022 African Designer
Renowned Rwandan fashion designer and founder of Motions, Moses Turahirwa, was named African Fashion Designer of the Year at the Abrianz Style and Fashion Awards (ASFAs) held in Kampala on December 16.
Turahirwa was competing with famous designers such as Larry Jay, Tebe Magugu, Rich Mnisi, Kenneth Eze and Tybo Bakar, his brand Motions has faced big fashion houses on the African continent including Africa Boy, Ahluwalia World, Daily Paper, Tiffany Amber and Rich Mnisi.
The development comes a few days after the fashion icon launched a new collection titled ‘Kwanda’ following his ‘Imandwa Collection’.
King Charles’ wife attends Kigali Fashion Week.
Prince Charles and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, attended the Rwanda Fashion Week held at the BK Arena on June 23.
A side event of the Commonwealth Business Forum, the fashion show showcased 16 African, Caribbean and British creatives and showcased local and international fashion, accessories and interior designers from around the world.
Local designers who participated in the show include Haute Basso, Sonia Mugabe, Inzuki, Rwanda Clothing, Uzi Collection, Izuba and Amike, while international designers include British Georgia Harding and Maximilian Raynor, Jamaican Kenyan Linton George, Nigerians Pepper Row. and Die Lab, South African Pichulik, Ghanaian Larry Jay and Kenyans Kiko Romeo and Amu Clothing.
This year, Rwanda Fashion Week introduced sustainable fashion as a key topic at the CHHOGM 2022 meeting.
Tayo’s house appears on the red carpet in Black Panther 2
Peter Jr. Nyong’o, the younger brother of Oscar-winning actress Lupita Amondi Nyong’o, appeared on the red carpet wearing a Taiyo House ensemble at the world premiere of Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” held at the Dolby Theatre. On October 26, in Los Angeles, California.
Junior Nyong’o’s Wakanda Forever premiere outfit honors the legacy of American actor Chadwick Boseman, who passed away last year, and was designed by renowned Rwandan fashion designer Matthew Rugamba, the mastermind behind Tayo House.
The return of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Kigali
More than 100 international guests, including 27 designers who are regularly big players in the fashion industry, met in Kigali for the six-day Mercedes-Benz Fashion Event in Kigali.
This year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week It was bigger and better than the inaugural edition in 2019, with more than 15 local and international designers showcasing at the airport.
Famous designers like Lily Alphonso of Malawi who showed a sweet collection, Kais Divo collection from Uganda, Kalal Designs from Somalia, Arshia Wilson from Ghana, Thando Piliso from South Africa, and many others showcased their collections at the fashion week finale.
Local fashion houses such as Jarrah by Linda Muhoza, Inking Designs, Fashion Forwarder, A&M Kigali Urban, Ntare Gitare, Koni Clothing and others showcased their collections at the event.
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Bianca Baby Fashion Hub Second Edition.
Daphine Uwamwezi Mugire, popularly known as Bianca Baby on Isibo TV’s Cast Over Show and also a fashion icon, recognized Rwandan fashion during the second edition of ‘Fashion Hub’ held on August 20 this year.
According to Uwamwezi, the event was held to bring together various freelance designers to showcase their latest personal creations. Several Rwandan celebrities attended the fashion show and each wore their own fashion designs.
Local and regional fashion entrepreneurs Tanzanian socialite Hamisa Mobeto and her Ugandan compatriots Abrianz and Sheila Gashumba attended the show alongside various local fashionistas.
Uwamwezi aims to create a modern fashion showroom for all kinds of fashion enthusiasts and host more red carpet events in the future. According to Uwamwezi, the event showcased the passion of Rwandan youth for fashion as well as the potential of expanding the Rwandan fashion industry, in which Uwamwezi will play a role.
