Neema Larissa Umwali will represent Rwanda at this year’s International Supranational competitions in Poland on November 15, 2014.

The former Miss Kigali Institute of Education also participated in Miss East Africa in 2012. Umwali spoke to Society Magazine’s Doreen Umutesi about her fashion sense.

How would you describe your dress sense?

I don’t have a specific kind of dress sense. I will wear anything that suits me and looks good on me anytime.

What’s your favourite clothing item?

My favourite clothing items are trousers and blouses. For day-to-day work, I feel more comfortable in trousers and blouses. But on weekends I like wearing dresses or shorts.

Where do you shop for clothes?

I don’t have a specific place where I shop, as long as I like an outfit I will definitely buy it regardless of the place. 

What do you consider when shopping clothes?

In most cases, I consider colour when I’m shopping. Colour catches my attention always.  The other thing I consider when buying an outfit is the quality of the material. At times I may buy an outfit which has a nice material but if it has a weird design, then I redesign it to my taste.

What is your favourite fashion accessory?

My favourite fashion accessory is a necklace. I feel like they always bring out the best in an outfit. I always make sure it blends with my outfit.  

What is your favourite clothing item on a guy?

I don’t have a specific clothing item on a guy that I like. As long he is wearing clothes that fit him with a nice pair of shoes, I will definitely appreciate his taste. For example if he is a slim guy he should wear fitting clothes not sagging clothes.

What’s your favourite scent?

Chanel perfume is my favourite. I just love its scent. I don’t always have it but when I have money I buy it.

What is most the expensive item you have?

I have a pair of shoes that cost me $200. I saw them online and asked someone in France to buy them for me. I don’t usually wear them. I wore them for the 2012 Miss East Africa Competition.

Any fashion advice?

You don’t have to wear expensive things to look fashionable. Wear an outfit that suits your body and is respectable. I don’t believe that wearing skimpy clothes is fashionable. You don’t need to copy people; you can be your own fashionista.