Shoes. They are adored by millions of women worldwide. They come in different styles for different occasions, of course different sizes, and are a very essential accessory. 

Designers Kevine Kagirimpundu and Ysolde Ishimwe of fashion house Uzuri K&Y based in Gikondo recently came up with the idea of making shoes for women using all sorts of fabric, particularly African print.

"We established the company in 2013 after discovering that there was a lack of high quality and affordable shoes made in Rwanda. This is because many people buy imported ones and forget that our locally made products rock if worn well,” says Kagirimpindu.

The duo use a variety of materials such as leather, sisal, recycled tires, and prints from West Africa to create world class women’s footwear made in Rwanda.

"We create something unique from simple and accessible resources that could have been thrown away by other designers,” says Ishimwe.

The good thing about these shoes is that they can be worn anywhere. They are colourful, light and flexible.

"With a mini skirt and well-fitting top, one can complete the look by wearing the shoes with long straps. That would be great for a casual event. For office wear, like a trouser suit, flat shoes are ideal,” says Ishimwe.

These locally made shoes do not fade easily and their durability is guaranteed.

Jacky Mbabazi, an interior designer in Nyarutarama, has been wearing Uzuri K&Y shoes since they hit the market.

"I like the shoes because they are light and trendy. When wearing them, they look unique and it’s hard to imagine that they are made here in Rwanda,” she says.

Ysolde advises women not to focus on clothes alone, but to pay attention to footwear too.

"Sometimes people dress up and forget about their feet yet shoes are the most important accessory. There is nothing more fashionable than a woman in a nice pair of shoes. Women should start planning on how to have a variety of them so that they never lack what to wear to a wedding or any other event,”Ishimwe advises.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw