Glitz and glamour at the premiere of Rwanda International Fashion

It was a glamorous night of fashion as hundreds of people thronged Villa Porto Fino Hotel Kigali for the premiere of the Rwanda International Fashion World (RIFAW) on Saturday.

Monday, June 29, 2015
Ugandan star Bebe Cool abandons the stage and gets up close with a female fan at the fashion show. (Doreen Umutesi)

It was a glamorous night of fashion as hundreds of people thronged Villa Porto Fino Hotel Kigali for the premiere of the Rwanda International Fashion World (RIFAW) on Saturday.

The well organized event attracted hundreds including Rwanda’s best fashion designers. Notable among the guests was Ugandan socialite Zarinah Hassan better known as Zari and musician Moses Ssali aka Bebe Cool.

Self-styled Ugandan red carpet fashion host Kabz interviews the organiser of the Saturday event, Sandra Teta. (Doreen Umutesi)

There were also interviews at the live red carpet session hosted by self-styled Ugandan red carpet fashion host Ronald Kabuye, aka Kabz, who interviewed attendees about their styles as they strutted in their finery.

Special guest, Ugandan socialite Zari (C), chats with one of the attendees. On her left is Sandra Teta, the CEO of Luminous Event and organiser of the Rwanda International Fashion World. (Doreen Umutesi)

The event featured models on the runway, music performances and the display of beautiful and unique collections by local fashion designers. Designers from Burundi and Uganda also graced the show.

Laurene Rwema Umutoni, under her label Urudodo collections, showcased a summer collection; Uzuri K&Y designs displayed her African inspired shoe collection while Alida Baranyizigiye also impressed with her glamorous and irresistible collection all in maroon and cream. Ugandan designer Marthur Jabo showcased her collection inspired by England’s Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Ugandan fashion designer Marthur Jabo, (right), showcases her designs inspired by England's Victorian and Edwardian eras. (Doreen Umutesi)

Sandra Teta, the CEO of Luminous Event and organiser of the Rwanda International Fashion World, said: "The event went as I expected but there were a few things that didn’t go well and we shall correct that. I would say it’s God’s blessing that we made it.”

The climax of the show was performances fromUganda’s top Reggea and ragga singer Bebe Cool. He brought down the house with his latest hit, Love You Every day, as the excited guests cheered, sang and danced along.

Laurene Rwema Umutoni's elegant summer wear. (Doreen Umutesi)

The star asked some of his female fans from the audience to dance with him. Guests were also entertained by local artistes Christopher Muneza, Riderman and Active, who also put up great performances and didn’t disappoint.

The show's emcee, Sandrine Isheja didn’t disappoint the attendees. (Doreen Umutesi)

"It’s beautiful to perform and win the hearts of the people. Most people complain that when foreign artistes come to Kigali, they don’t perform as expected, but I think people appreciated my performance,” said the Addiction singer. 

Active delivered energetic dance moves and left revelers wanting more. (Doreen Umutesi)