He is barely 20 years old but Kolbe Hategekimana is ripping big from his great sense of style and art as fashion designer for local celebrities. Born in May 1994 in Kicukiro, Hategekimana is the last born in the family of four. He went to Kicukiro's St. Joseph for his primary education and did electronics and telecommunication during his secondary at ADB Nyarutarama.
He is barely 20 years old but Kolbe Hategekimana is ripping big from his great sense of style and art as fashion designer for local celebrities.
Born in May 1994 in Kicukiro, Hategekimana is the last born in the family of four. He went to Kicukiro's St. Joseph for his primary education and did electronics and telecommunication during his secondary at ADB Nyarutarama. He is currently a student at Mount Kenya University.
Sarah Kwihangana, interviewed him about his passion for fashion.
When did you discover your passion for fashion?
I have always been interested in fashion and clothing stuff since I was a little boy and my mother encouraged me a lot.
However, it was until I joined Francis Iraguha’s Francis Zahabu fashion house that I discovered I could become a professional fashion designer.
I worked with Iraguha for seven months as a creative designer until last year when I decided to go solo.
As a fashion designer who do you look up to?
I look up to German fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld.
Tell us about your work?
I did not start as a fashion designer but rather a stylist. I am currently selling second hand clothes. I specialise in suits for men, though I can also design dresses and other types of clothes for different occasions.
Who are some of the local celebrities you have dressed?
The list is long. I have dressed King James, Urban Boys, Riderman, Jay Polly, Kamichi, Dream Boyz, Young Grace and Arthur Nkusi, among others.
What is so unique about your designs?
Before designing an outfit for my client, there are certain things I must know. For example, I need to know about their style, what suits them best and the function they are going to attend.
That helps me to identify the perfect outfit for my client to ensure they are exceptionally smart and stand out from the rest.
What do you think of the fashion industry in Rwanda today?
Well, I would say that our fashion industry is growing, though on a slow pace.
I am trying to show my fellow youth and other people interested in fashion, that it is possible to do it. If you feel like you want to be a fashion designer, all you need to do is work hard and get where you want to be and you will surely make it.
What does it take for one to become a great fashion designer?
First of all, a good fashion designer has to be creative and have the passion for what they are doing.
You also have to know what you are getting into. You have to do a lot of research and get to know what is trending because fashion changes every time, like there is always something new and you have to know that if you are to keep up your game
To an aspiring fashion designer, what are the dos and don’ts in this business?
Fashion is like art, so for one to be a fashion designer you have to have that talent in you and also be very creative, innovative and most importantly work hard if you want to be on top.
Future plans?
I am planning on opening up a show room where people can easily access my work because I don’t have an address at the moment.