Local fashion house to fly Rwanda's flag at Geneva show

RWANDA CLOTHING, a local fashion house will be Rwanda’s representative at the 4th edition of the annual Africa Fashion Show Geneva (AFSG) at the Grand Hotel Kempinski in Geneva, Switzerland, today.

Friday, May 27, 2016
Joselyne Umutoniwase (waving) during this year's Kigali Fashion Week. (Internet photo)

RWANDA CLOTHING, a local fashion house will be Rwanda’s representative at the 4th edition of the annual Africa Fashion Show Geneva (AFSG) at the Grand Hotel Kempinski in Geneva, Switzerland, today. 

Rwanda Clothing is owned by fashion icon, Joselyne Umutoniwase. 

Other African countries that will be represented include; Tanzania, Mali, Nigeria, and Ghana, besides guest appearances by fashion designers from Brazil and Russia. 

Alexia Uwera Mupende, a freelance model and actress, was another Rwandan slated for the Africa Fashion Show Geneva, but she did not travel to Switzerland. 

She applied and was cast to take part in the show along with 3 other Rwandan models; Jeanine Dusabe, Rachel Uwineza and Umutoni Georgette. 

"We realised that it’s better to work as a collection than as individuals. We further sought sponsorship from one of the airlines, but we never received it or any feedback. Subject to our acquisition of air tickets, we would get more support from the organizers while in Geneva through their various partners,” Mupende explained the reason for not travelling to Switzerland. 

A model showcases a beautiful outfit by RWANDA CLOTHING. (Courtesy)

Mupende appealed to corporate organizations and government institutions to give more support to local fashion designers.

"A lot is required and their backing and support would go a long way. Otherwise I have no regrets. It’s unfortunate we didn't make it as it would have been a wonderful platform for us to promote Rwanda and fashion in general.”

The Africa Fashion Show Geneva showcases and promotes the unique culture, history and evolution of African fashion. It is also a platform to showcase African fashion designers to the world.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw