HARRIET Ingabire is the brain behind ‘Hands of Hope’ at Red Rocks Intercultural Exchange Centre. It is a project which empowers vulnerable women living with HIV/Aids, as well as children from disadvantaged families in Nyakinama sector, Musanze district. 

Doreen Umutesi, talked to the 26-year-old on her views about fashion and style.

How would you describe your fashion sense?

I would say I’m a free spirit so anything free, casual and comfortable works for me. I can also say that my fashion sense is adventurous. So whatever I wear, I will try to make it look good. I love colours because they bring out character.

What’s your favourite clothing item?

I love jeans, tops and anything with an African fabric touch. I find exceptional beauty in them. I admire the brains behind fashion accessories that have an African touch.

Where do you shop for clothes? I did most of my shopping in the US but since I got back, I have seen and bought some of the most amazing things here

What do you consider when shopping clothes?

The list is endless..... But I will say a few; the designer, quality, colour and yes, I love vintage stuff. I find so much style and almost everything I’m looking for in vintage.

What is your favourite fashion accessory?

It is shoes and handbags.

What is your favourite clothing item on a guy?

I like a guy with a sense of style especially if he has a good taste of what shoes and watch he puts on because they say a lot about him.

What’s your favourite scent?

I love anything that smells sweet, it says so much about a woman, that’s why I love J’adore Dior, and it’s the perfume I wear.

What is the most expensive fashion accessory that you own in your wardrobe and what led you into buying it?

Actually it’s silly but shoes and handbags are the most expensive accessories that I have in my wardrobe. Since I love casual stuff, I can always wear them and just put on classy shoes and an awesome handbag. Shoes and bags don’t easily fade. I have handbags and pairs of shoes that have lasted for 10 years, but they are still in good condition.

Any fashion advice?

All I can say is what we wear reflects a lot on us in society. We are our own designers. So whatever you wear, let it fit your character. It is also part of the journey of expressing and finding your true self.