The first edition of the Gorilla Fashion Week 2023 is organized in partnership with the IPRC Kigali and the Rwanda Fashion Models Union [RFMU]. The Gorilla Fashion Week 2023 is scheduled for 29th December (at the IPRC Kigali) and on the 30th at Century Park Hotel in Kigali City.

A participant in Today's press conference of the Gorilla Fashion Week 2023 (PHOTO INYARWANDA)

In today's brief press conference and updates about the event. According to the organizers, this event aims to support the upcoming local fashion designers as well as the models to showcase their talents in fashion design and modeling.

Hakizimana Hubert Didier -Event Organizer Team member Gorilla Fashion Week 2023 (PHOTO INYARWANDA)

 The organizers continue saying that they started this event after their research which revealed that there are many talented fashion designers and runway models who don't have a platform where to showcase their work and creations. They added that most fashion shows had been organized in Rwanda and fashion programs most focused on those who are professional and already established.

ALSO READ:  Official Launch - What Should Models Expect from the Rwanda Fashion Models Union [RFMU] 

There will be also an exhibition for different vendors of Made in Africa

 It is expected more than 20 fashion designers will showcase their designs with 45 runway models who will present unique fashion styles according to the organizers.

Participants who will be showcasing in the Gorilla Fashion Week 2023 during the press conference (PHOTO INYARWANDA)

International Model Eveline GONZENBANCH  during the press conference (PHOTO INYARWANDA)

International Model Eveline GONZENBANCH will showcase at the Gorilla Fashion Week 2023 (PHOTO EVeline's Instagram AC)

International Model Eveline GONZENBANCH will showcase at the Gorilla Fashion Week 2023 (PHOTO EVeline's Instagram AC)

Mr. Jambo Jean D'Amour- Head of Creative Arts in IPRC Kigali, during the press conference (PHOTO INYARWANDA)

The participant who will be showcasing in the Gorilla Fashion Week 2023 during the press conference (PHOTO INYARWANDA)

The participant who will be showcasing in the Gorilla Fashion Week 2023 during the press conference (PHOTO INYARWANDA)

The participant who will be showcasing in the Gorilla Fashion Week 2023 during the press conference (PHOTO INYARWANDA)

Hakizimana Hubert Didier -Event Organizer Team member Gorilla Fashion Week 2023 (PHOTO INYARWANDA)

The RFMU is a non-government organization founded by former models headed by Kabano Franco in collaboration with other models with a primary mission of working with models and Agencies to help them in Advocacy, Education, and Promotion. Learn More about the event here

Currently president of the Rwanda Fashion Models Union[RFMU] Mr. Mutabazi Wa Charm who replaced Mr. Kabano Franco who resigned from the leader of this model unions

By the RCFS's Media 

The Utexrwa is the oldest local fabric manufacturer. As the only large-scale textile mill in Rwanda, UTEXRWA plays a critical role in establishing the local textile and apparel value chain, developing a large skilled labor force, contributing to import substitution, and meeting the local demands of security forces and others.

Employee inside the UTEXRWA ( PHOTO- Diana Zeyneb)

 Utexrwa offers its client's mass production from an extensive line of over varieties of garments and made-ups produced from cotton, synthetic and blended fabrics for protective clothing and accessories to meet the needs of everyday wear and tear in the defence, fire fighting, medical, school, commercial, home and industrial workforce, as well as eco-friendly home furnishings to protect you from dust , heat, water and infectious bacteria.

Employee inside the UTEXRWA ( PHOTO- Diana Zeyneb)

Utexrwa buys its cotton from Uganda and Tanzania, its chemicals are from India, dyes from Europe, and Polyester from China, India, and Indonesia, which all drive up costs. The most direct competitors to UTEXRWA are coming from outside Africa. UTEXRWA has advantages in meeting local market demands for customization, timely delivery, and service. Given the investment capital required to start a textile mill in Rwanda, local competition for high-volume garment production is unlikely in the near term.

 According to the management of the UTEXRWA, the primary focus will remain on institutional garment production. Producing at larger volumes allows the company to maximize profits and avoid artisan competitors. Developing a sales campaign and sales force for the school market is essential for the fragmented market share of this segment.

In 2018 the Utexrwa won the Rwanda Defense Force-RDF uniform tender, urged to produce more

UTEXRWA Updates in December 2023

UTEXRWA, Rwanda’s only textile producing company has secured a $400,000 that will facilitate the production of at least 70, 000 malaria bed nets. These will make the company the only textile firm that manufactures the treated bio-nets for local people. “We are ready to produce the first 70,000 nets in two weeks time from now and we produce the second phase in May 2010. Another 70,000 nets.” said Raj Rajendran Utexrwa’s Managing Director in an interview with The New Times.

Employee inside the UTEXRWA ( PHOTO- Diana Zeyneb)

The project has been boosted by support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Bralirwa, and the Ministry of Health which have provided technical and financial support.  Rajendran revealed that the production line has already been installed and technicians have been undergoing training. According to Rajendran, their ultimate target is to invest $12 million in 3-4 years with an aim of employing 2,000 employees from the current 740.

He revealed that the project will have the capacity to produce over 12 million nets per year for local and the export markets. He also said that there is a huge demand on the continent this year and hence Rwanda will have a capacity of producing for local and regional export.

John Peter Moll currently the Thailand Textile Institute advisor, said that UTEXRWA has all it takes to manufacture the nets. Peter Moll was sponsored by UNIDO Rwanda as an expert to offer technical advise. “I’m very confident that Rwanda will be able to run the project and UTEXRWA has good environment for the project as it has been having good progress in its products,” Peter Moll said.

He further said that Rwanda will be the only country to produce long lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINS) which have high demand.

Employee inside the UTEXRWA ( PHOTO- Diana Zeyneb)

By the RCFS's Media 

"Dancers themselves often use fashion to express their unique style and enhance their movements. The right outfit can give them confidence, emphasize their choreography, and even add a narrative to their performance" said CEO and founder of RIFI Entertainment Ri Kon Yocan

This weekend is one of the hottest weekends in Kigali as we are closer to the end of 2023. There are many events scheduled on Saturday, December 30. These events include the RIFI Dance and Fashion Show which will take place at ONOMO Hotel in Kigali.  According to the event manager and CEO and founder of RIFI Entertainment Ri Kon Yocan, his team has already prepared many activities to make people feel happy while celebrating holidays and Happy New Year's.  

Model Nshogoza Jean from the RIFI Fashion Agency in performance at the stage fashion showcase in Marriott Hotel 2023

"We are ready and I want to tell Kigalians especially those who love fashion and dance together that this is your time. Don't miss. We have different activities including an exhibition. Parents bring your children to experience kids modeling" Ri Kon Yocan told the RCFS's Media. 

Ri Kon Yocan CEO  and founder of the RIFI Fashion Agency the winner of Best Agency 2023 

 The RIFI Dance and Fashion show will bring together local fashion designers as well as professional dancers. Models will showcase different styles from different fashion houses while dancers will capture the stage from the different choreographers and make unique moves to match the models while on the runway. It is a new form of event we have in Kigali where the combination of fashion and dance will be seen on the stage.

The RIFI Dance and Fashion Show will bring together fashion designers and dancers  

Normally, fashion and dance have an incredible way of intertwining. The way dancers move can elevate and showcase the beauty of fashion, and vice versa. Dance often inspires fashion, and designers draw inspiration from various dance forms to create stunning clothing that complements movement.

Known DJs, Comedians, and MCs Will be among the performers in the RIFI Dance and Fashion Show 2023

Do you want to be part of their exhibitions?

From 10:00 AM there will be an exhibition, kids' games, and modeling. Then from 6 pm, there will be a runway show and dances.  RIFI Fashion Agency is a youth forum founded by Ri Kon Yocan to help the young generation and promote their modeling talent at a high (international) level through teaching, guiding, and training them towards integrity and good cultural behavior. 

RIFI Fashion Agency models 

 ALSO READ:  RIFI Fashion Agency is the number one modeling agency in Rwanda

RIFI Fashion Agency model

RIFI Fashion Agency models 

RIFI Fashion Agency model

RIFI Fashion Agency model  

RIFI Fashion Agency model

RIFI Fashion Agency models

RIFI Fashion Agency models 

RIFI Fashion Agency models 

 By the RCFS's MEDIA 

"Fashion shows and flowers often share a beautiful relationship that goes beyond mere aesthetics. We created a floral Runway adorned with various types of flowers, where models showcased designs inspired by local fashion designers and made from creativity behind flower decoration. Our setting was in Bk Arena venue adorned with elaborate floral arrangements " said Mr. John Bunyeshuli CEO and founder of the Kigali Fashion Week/Kigali International Fashion Week. 

Designs made by Matheo

Combining a fashion show with flowers can result in a stunning and innovative event as marked by the Kigali International Fashion Week 2023 in BK Arena. The organizers proved that flowers and fashion can help to sell to each other as all share similarities especially bringing income in money to the beneficiaries. 

"Our beneficiaries include farmers who cultivate the flowers, and fashion designers who create the designs as well as the runway models who showcase and present the beauty of flowers and fashion stlyes together" added Mr. Bunyeshuli

Mr. John Bunyeshuli CEO and founder of the Kigali Fashion Week/Kigali International Fashion Week. 

The event was organized in partnership with Bella Flowers and other government institutions such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) and the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB). 

Designs made by Matheo (PHOTO-IGIHE)

Designs made by Matheo (PHOTO-IGIHE)

 The Bella Flowers' Marketing Manager and Promotions, Maria Casimiro, told the IGIHE newspaper that they started and partnered with the Kigali Fashion Week to mark this fashion and flowers festival hoping to promote and make Rwandans love flowers.

"Flowers are one of the things that can enter in any country because everywhere they are needed to show the beauty of things and nature. This cultural festival mainly aims to encourage Rwandans to grow flowers so that we can be their market in the international market" said Maria Casimiro

Designs made by Matheo (PHOTO-IGIHE)

Designs made by Matheo (PHOTO-IGIHE)

Designs made by Matheo (PHOTO-IGIHE)

Designs made by Matheo (PHOTO-IGIHE)

Inside the BK Arena Venue 

Many people were very happy to see how fashion and flowers are combined to make a good fashion show 

Many people were very happy to see how fashion and flowers are combined to make a good fashion show 

Many people were very happy to see how fashion and flowers are combined to make a good fashion show 

Many people were very happy to see how fashion and flowers are combined to make a good fashion show 

BY THE RCFS'S MEDIA  

As we are enjoying our holidays and preparing for Christmas and a happy new year of 2024. Fashion is one we can't leave behind, especially during family parties and celebrations of different events. In Rwanda, many fashion designers are ready and you can see on their pages many creations and unique creativities. In this story, we have included 50 trending fashion styles between November and  December 2023. From different fashion designers in Rwanda. 

Made by Matheo- Model Franco Kabano

 Let's start with the Matheo fashion brand founded in 2019 by Mr. Niyigena Maurice. Since then it has been bringing new ideas and many fashion lovers have been asking themselves "Where does he get those ideas?". His recent creations raised emotions among fashion lovers around Kigali City, especially for those who use social media platforms like Instagram where Mr. Maurice Niyigena posts his photos. 

Made by Matheo- Model Franco Kabano

"When I see new ideas of Matheo, I wonder where he gets them from. I read one of the articles where he mentioned something about the future warriors. and then, I saw model Franco Kabano wearing his recent styles wondering if they are preparing to film a movie. I don't know about the fabrics but the styles are well-measured and well-made. We all know Franco is among the top supermodels we have in Rwanda, Something is coming up maybe" A fashion enthusiast told the RCFS's Media 

Made by Matheo- Model Franco Kabano

 ALSO READ: I Have Loyalty Inside the Matheo Brand": The Future Warriors Collection 2023 Released

 Other trending fashion styles between November and December 2023 in Rwanda include: 

1. TANGA DESIGNS 

Made by Tanga Designs

Made by Tanga Designs

2. KEZEM 

Made by Kezem 

Made by Kezem

3. INKANDA HOUSE

Made by Inkanda House 

Made by Inkanda House 

4. HOUSE OF TAYO 

Made by the House of Tayo

Made by the House of Tayo 

 5. INZUKI DESIGNS 

Made by Inzuki Designs 

Made by Inzuki Designs  

6. UMUHETO FASHION HOUSE

Made by Umuheto Fashion House 

Made by Umuheto Fashion House 

 7. RWANDA CLOTHING 

Made by Rwanda Clothing 

Made by Rwanda Clothing 

 8. NTARE GITARE 

Made by Ntare Gitare 

Made by Ntare Gitare 

9. UZURI K & Y 

Made by Uzuri K & Y

Made by Uzuri K & Y

10. HAUTE BASO

Made by Haute Baso

Made by Haute Baso 

 11. IZUBAA

Made by Izubaa

Made by Izubaa

12. N'INTOKI 

Made by N'intoki

Made by N'intoki

 13. K'TSOBE

Made by K'tsobe 

Made by K'tsobe 

14. KARSSH COLLECTION 

Made by Karssh Collection 

Made by Karssh Collection 

15. MOSHIONS

Made by Moshions 

Made by Moshions 

16. SONIA MUGABO  

Made by Sonia Mugabo 

Made by Sonia Mugabo 

 17. GLO CREATION

Made by Glo Creation 

Made by Glo Creation  

 18. TOUCH OF RWANDA FASHION DESIGNS 

Made by Touch of Rwanda Fashion Designs 

Made by Touch of Rwanda Fashion Designs 

Made by Touch of Rwanda Fashion Designs 

 19. MILLE COLLINES 

Made by Mille Collines 

Made by Mille Collines

 ALSO READ: 40 RWANDAN FASHION DESIGNERS TO VISIT IN KIGALI - THEIR #INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS

BY THE RCFS'S MEDIA 

Today's discussions were aimed at improving the fashion and film business in Rwanda. In partnership with local fashion designers, filmmakers, and other artists such as singers and handcraft makers. The Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show-RCFS has organized a virtual fashion and film talk show that has revealed a gap in collaboration between fashion designers and filmmakers. 

 Among the guests who attended the talk show includes Mrs. Claudine Rubagumya from the Rwanda Development Board-RDB, the Department of Tourism Product Development Analyst. Her input on the topic" COLLABORATION BETWEEN FASHION DESIGNERS AND FILMMAKERS"  focused on the uniqueness and how ready fashion designers and filmmakers are to provide something that is real Rwandan. 

"How can fashion and film work together to improve business and provide the real Rwandan in the fashion and fashion industry? The most important is to see how ready the fashion industry is to support the film. Assume the film is reflecting in the 1930s period. Is our fashion industry ready to provide attire for that film? It is a time for our fashion designers to think of raw-materials that are available to provide something that is real Rwandan to filmmaking" said Ms Ms Claudine Rubagumya from the RDB

Mrs. Claudine Rubagumya from the Rwanda Development Boadr-RDB, the Department of Tourism product development analyst.

She added that the Rwanda government is always ready to support the private sector as a leading department of Rwanda's economy. 

"In terms of the policy as you all know the government is supporting the private sector to make business leading the economy of the country. How ready are the film industry members to collaborate among themselves and also collaborate with the international filmmakers and also involve the government of Rwanda in that? " added Mrs. Claudine Ryubagumya from the RDB

Among the guest speakers were; 

Ms. Ange Mutoni  is a fashion designer and photographer- CEO and founder of the NTARE GITARE clothing brand based in Rwanda

  ALSO READ: VITALITY COLLECTION 2023 RELEASED: INSIDE NTARE GITARE CLOTHING BRAND

 Mr. Talento Umuheto is a fashion designer- CEO and founder of UMUHETO FASHION HOUSE based in Rwanda

 ALSO READ: UMUHETO FASHION HOUSE: UNIQUENESS OF THE UMUHETO1 COLLECTIONS 2023 RELEASED

Mr. Mbera Amir is an actor and scriptwriter - CEO and founder of the IREBE MODELING AGENCY AND MBERA FURNITURE  

Mr. Benjamin Kagorora is an artist and Director of the WICKED BOSS film and managing Director of the Xplore Rwanda.

Watch the full talk show here

By the RCFS 's MEDIA 

The Move Afrika  2023 is schuduled to take place in Kigali on 6 December. It will bring together leaders, influencers, musicians, and many more superstars who have big names in Africa's entertainment. Alongside, this event, there is the Move Afrika fashion pop-up, featuring some of the best African fashion and art brands that starts Today 4-6 December at the NORRSKEN East Africa headquarters in Kigali. The RCFS team will give you updates on this fashion pop-up and exhibition especially new collections that will be showcased. The Exhibition is starting from 5 pm-Kigali time

Most of the fashion designers and exhibitors have already displayed their products and are ready for sale. 

(DAY 1)

 Haute Baso stand: Rwanda

Haute Baso is an ethical lifestyle brand for the modern individual looking for thoughtful, simple, and functional designs. We offer an experiential shopping experience with blends of premium made in Rwanda fashion, food and beverage, and arts. Learn more about the sho here 

Made by Haute Baso clothing brand from Rwanda 

Inzuki Designs Stand: Rwanda 

Inzuki is a dynamic young Rwandan brand specializing in jewelries, accessories, and interior decor that are handmade, of local materials. All products are Rwanda-made, Africa-inspired and globally-loved. Learn more about Inzuki Designs here

Made by Inzuki designs from Rwanda 

Shoes and bags are among the products available at the Move Afrika  Fashion Pop-u  and Exhibition 2023

Sonia Mubago Stand: Rwanda 

Born and raised in Kigali – Rwanda, Sonia Mugabo has been passionate about fashion from an early age. As a child, she was fascinated by the design process; from colors to cuts and textures. As an outstanding scholar, she took several creative classes which confirmed her love for design. It was this love of creation that encouraged Sonia to pursue a degree in the arts. Learn More about Sonia Mubabo here

Made by Sonia Mugabo clothing brand from Rwanda 

 Kezem Stand: Rwanda 

Like most creatives, Emmanuel Keza Niyonsenga loved fashion since childhood. He spent most of his time watching his mother, a tailor, go about her work from start to finish. Although his skill is mostly self- taught, he shares that he also got additional training from Rwanda Clothing, a local fashion brand where he was taught the importance and power of a brand and how to work with clients to satisfaction. Learn More about Kezem here

Made by Kezem from Rwanda

Dye Lab: Nigeria 

Made by DYE LAB from Nigeria

(DAY 1- Evening )

 Many people attended the Move Afrika Fashion and Pop - Exhibition. Government officials are also among the guests. (PHOTOS)

Michaella Rugwizangoga Chief Tourism Officer at the Rwanda Development Board 

Watch short video Highlights Day 1 Here 

More Updates coming ........

ALSO READ:  8 RWANDAN FASHION DESIGNERS ARE AMONG THE EXHIBITORS AT THE MOVE AFRIKA 2023, IN KIGALI. 

   40 RWANDAN FASHION DESIGNERS TO VISIT IN KIGALI - THEIR #INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS

BY THE RCFS'S MEDIA 

Rwanda is hosting a continental event MOVE AFRIKA that will bring together leaders, influencers, musicians, and many more superstars who have big names in Africa's entertainment. Among the musicians includingKendrick Lamarwho is an American rapper and singer-songwriter. Alongside, this event, there is the Move Afrika fashion pop-up, featuring some of the best African fashion and art brands.

Kendrick Lamar, an American rapper and singer-songwriter

From today 4 - 6 December at the NORRSKEN House in Kigali, there will be an exhibition of a combination of continental known brands which includes Rwandan fashion designers. The information the RCFS's Media has; Haute Baso, Sonia Mugabo, House of Tayo, Ktsobe, Kezem, Izubaa, ANSANTII ,  Inzuki, and Cedric Mizero are among the 19 Exhibitors that will show their collections and accessories in this continental event. It is expected to start with the Opening cocktail on Monday 4 Dec from 5 pm at NorrskenEA

 The list of exhibitors which includes different brands from all over Africa

The event is organized by Global Citizens who are action takers and impact makers. Their mission is to end extreme poverty worldwide. The voices inspire action to defend the planet, defeat poverty, and demand equity. Among other exhibitors include JIAMINI & KATUSH, KIKOROMEO, DYE LAB, SARAYAA, NAKED APE, VANHU VAMWE, MARAZ, ASANTII, and LAINI . 

Made by Katush from Kenya 

Made by Katush from Kenya. Katush is a conscious and compassionate leisure lifestyle brand, made in Africa for the confident, reflective, self-aware global citizen who values quality, versatility, and sustainability in original design.

Rwanda's signer and songwriter, Bruce Melodie will also perform in the MOVE AFRIKA 2023

The Side event of the Move Afrika fashion pop-up and Exhibition is orgnized by the LULUBELL Group. Lulu Shabell is the founder of the LULUBELL Group, a consulting firm servicing African luxury brands with sustainable strategies for expansion into global markets.

#LulubellGroup : South African award-winning designer, @palesamokubung of design house, @mantsholifestyle, walked the main runway @portugalfashionweek pwd by @creativeafricanexus

Other African brands to showcase in the Move Afrika Fashion Pop-up and exhibition include: 

Made by Kikoromeo from Kenya 

Made by DYE LAB from Nigeria 

Made by NAKED Ape from South Africa

Made by Sonia Mugabo from Rwanda 

 ALSO READ: LIVE: THE MOVE AFRIKA FASHION POP-UP AND EXHIBITION 2023, KIGALI- RWANDA

By the RCFS'S MEDIA 

"Many local aritsts - musicians still face financial challenges especially when they are making plans for their music video filming. Some of them have very good songs that may even match with our collections but for them not to be able to contribute something small to use that clothes becomes an issue between fashion designers and musicians even with filmmakers" said Olvier Harerimana AKA Talento UMUHETO, a fashion designer, CEO and founder of UMUHETO Fashion House based in Kigali.

Talking about fashion development in Africa, You can't escape the role of music and film in this development. In some countries like Beni, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and South Africa, you find many local artists and filmmakers using locally made clothes and jewelries during their music video clips, in concerts, and in their films. 

Ms. Angélique  Kidjo is a Beninese-French singer-songwriter, actress, and activist noted for her diverse musical influences and creative music videos. She is known to wear and promote clothes made in Africa (PHOTO INTERNET)

According to experts in fashion and textiles in Africa. This collaboration between musicians, fashion designers, and filmmakers had been a good result for these three creative arts: fashion, music, and film. The Collaboration between musicians, filmmakers, and fashion designers can result in dynamic and innovative projects that merge different art forms.

Mafikizolo wears made in South Africa (and is a South African singing duo consisting of Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza. They are multiple times winners of the South African Music Award, including the awards for Best Duo or Group of the Year. (PHOTO INTERNET)

Musicians and fashion designers can collaborate in the fashion campaign and concert costumes where the musicians can collaborate with the fashion designers for brand campaigns or special events. This involves incorporating the musician's style or music theme into the clothing line, creating a cohesive visual representation. Then, the fashion designers can create custom outfits or costumes for musicians' performances, enhancing the visual impact and storytelling of the music on stage.

Ms. Aster Aweke is a legendary Ethiopian singer known for her profound influence on Ethiopian music, particularly her role in introducing it to international audiences in Europe and America. She is also known to wear and style made in Ethiopia her home country (PHOTO INTERNET)

However, in some countries in Africa fashion designers, musicians, and filmmakers don't understand each other or don't communicate well on how they can collaborate for the interests of both. Like in Rwanda, this collaboration still has not been established yet between these 3 creative arts: fashion designers, musicians, and filmmakers. According to Mr. Talento UMUHETO, there has to be a middle ground of understanding between musicians and fashion designers.

"Musicians come and tell you that if he or she uses your collections for free in his or her music videos you will get promotions and people will come to buy from your shop after watching that song. But they forget that we already invested to create those clothes from fabrics to the finishing" said Mr. Talento UMUHETO. 

Mr. Talento UMUHETO, is a fashion designer, CEO, and founder of UMUHETO Fashion House based in Kigali.

Talento UMUHETO added that some other artists just come and pick whatever they get from the fashion designers which is not matching with the song's idea because they don't have money to invest in the clothes that match their original ideas when writing the song.

" Some artists just pick what they are able to get but it affects their original ideas. For example. if your song is about the culture or a traditional one. You have to create collections that go with the culture's creativity. In other words, the artists- musicians have to invest to get that but some of our local artists- musicians have no investment to make good and desired music videos" added Mr. Talento UMUHETO

ALSO READ: UMUHETO FASHION HOUSE: UNIQUENESS OF THE UMUHETO1 COLLECTIONS 2023 RELEASED

According to Karen Uwera a fashion designer, CEO, and founder of the Karrsh Collection, and the president of Rwanda Fashion Designers' Association, some local musicians still don't value the work of the fashion designers and this has to stop to establish good collaboration between fashion designers and musicians.

" Let's not say all our local musicians see in that angle of free of charge but the majority don't give value made in Rwanda clothes. For example. Some may use the collection in their video shooting but after they don't want to even take them to dry clean. Then others, are willing to buy instead of rent or borrow. But again, this category also wants to buy the same prices they do for second-hand clothes. They have first to give the value of made in Rwanda for use to be able to have that good collaboration everyone of us wishes to reach" Ms Karen Uwera CEO and founder of the Karrsh Collection

Ms. Karen Uwera a fashion designer, CEO, and founder of the Karrsh Collection, and the president of Rwanda Fashion Designers' Association

It is not only between musicians who are not collaborating with local fashion designers but also filmmakers. Fashion designers and filmmakers can collaborate to create short films showcasing a clothing line. These films often tell a story or convey a mood while prominently featuring the designer's creations. Furthermore, filmmakers might create documentaries or behind-the-scenes footage for fashion shows or designer collections, offering insights into the creative process and inspirations behind the designs.

Ms. Angel Mutoni is a fashion designer/Photographer CEO and Creative Director of the NTARE fashion brand based in Rwanda. The brand specializes in luxury ready to wear for men and women. It focuses on craftsmanship, quality, innovation, and creativity.

" It's just not an explored territory and also there is usually not a big budget enough to cover costumes for the actors. It's already hard coming up with funds for a movie. It can be extremely costly to create what filmmakers really want here in Rwanda. So usually people use their own clothes or hire from a second-hand boutique as fashion houses are also in need of said funds" said Ms. Mutoni a fashion designer and a Photographer. 

Ms. Angel Mutoni is a fashion designer/Photographer CEO and Creative Director of the NTARE fashion brand based in Rwanda.

ALSO READ: VITALITY COLLECTION 2023 RELEASED: INSIDE NTARE GITARE CLOTHING BRAND 

According to Ms Faustine INGABIRE a journalist, Co-founder of THE IMAGE, Chairperson of COOPEC Zamuka, and the Marriage Councillor Weight Watcher advisor, some local fashion designers are still not open to collaborating and others don't understand why collaborating with filmmakers can add more value and visibility to their fashion brands.

" Many local fashion designers don't see the reason to allow their creations to be used in films or movies. They don't want to give free collections or rent for less to local filmmakers because they don't know and see how they can benefit from the local made film or a movie. Both local fashion designers and filmmakers need to have conversation meetings on how to establish a collaboration among them" said Ms INGABIRE a journalist and co-founder of THE IMAGE

Ms. Faustine INGABIRE a journalist, Co-founder of THE IMAGE,  Chairperson of COOPEC Zamuka, and the Marriage Councillor Weight Watcher advisor,

Ms INGABIRE added that some local fashion designers have to understand that making nice clothes means that the audience is the one to appreciate the clothes first not the creator because at the end of the day, the audience will wear or buy those clothes.

" They are some local fashion designers who have nice clothes and different collections. But they think having them hanging in their shop is much better than promoting them to large audiences through local films or movies. I can advise our local fashion designers to be open to filmmakers and musicians which will definitely bring positive impacts to their business and the fashion industry in general" added Ms INGABIRE

ALSO READ: 40 RWANDAN FASHION DESIGNERS TO VISIT IN KIGALI - THEIR #INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS

 By the RCFS'S MEDIA