Thirty-one-year-old Marie France Niragire is an actress and business woman. She has featured in movies like Inzozi, Ubudasanzwe, Anita and Imbarutso among others. She graduated from Rwanda Tourism University College in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in Travel and Tourism Management. The actress spoke to Donah Mbabazi about her sense of style.

How would you describe your dress sense?

I mostly dress according to my destination. I go for formal wear during the week and switch to jeans on Friday. Then on weekends, for ceremonies, and in my free time, I do the Kitenge. I love dresses made from Kitenge. Since I’m a designer, I love Kitenge more than any other material because I get to create my own style and determine how I want to look.

Sensual or elegant, what do you prefer?

I prefer being elegant because of who I am and who I want to be in my career. About looking sensual, I can only do that if I’m at home with my husband.

What do you like to shop for the most?

Dresses; I cannot count the dresses I have in my wardrobe and I mostly love buying the long ones.

What do you consider when shopping for clothes?

First of all I always have a list of what I need, and then consider where to get them. I don’t follow trends; I always shop for items that I need as a person not because they are trending in Kigali. I also mind colour, I mostly go for white, red and green.

How often do you shop for clothes?

I do like shopping but it depends on what I am going to shop. I shop like once in three months, that is if they are dresses or shoes. I shop like twice in Rwanda but I also get stuff when I travel. I’ve bought clothes from Dubai, England, Kenya and even Belgium.

What’s the most expensive item that you own?

I have a pair of diamond earrings and a necklace which I bought in England. I also have a diamond ring I received from my husband as a gift.

Who inspires you in fashion?

That has to be Victoria Beckham. I love watching her fashion shows and her style truly inspires me. I also draw inspiration from her for my own designs, like if I see a beautiful dress designed by her, I will do something similar but only make it longer, if it was too skimpy for example.

What’s your favourite fashion trend for guys?

I love a guy in jeans paired with a nice shirt. I also like shorts, and guys who know how to accessorise well. I think they really look good.

What would you wear on a date?

One has to look beautiful and elegant on a date, though not too suggestive. Personally, I would wear a knee length well-fitting dress with shoes but not high heels. I would also choose the right accessories.I would wear my favourite scent and complete my outfit with a cute purse.

What fashion tips would you like to share?

I would advise ladies to buy clothes they need, not because they’re trendy. Personal style is always the best; they should also consider where they are going, as in how they want to look in the presence of other people. If they want to look sexy yet they are heading for a formal dinner, then they need to reconsider. Dress according to the occasion.

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