Colour, light, cameras and good music characterised the Kigali Fashion Show which took place on Friday evening at Century Park Hotel in Kigali.

The annual fashion event, part of 6th edition of Kigali Fashion Week brought together 12 Rwandan and international designers who showcased their collections on a runway with over 50 models taking part. 

The outdoor and open air venue brought an aura of freshness, presenting a cosy environment for those who attended.

Fashion lovers from different countries including Japan, Belgium, China, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi and the host Rwanda graced the red carpet event, using the opportunity to show off their fashion sense.

Gates opened at 6pm and guests, mainly youth and some local stars, flocked in to see what the designers of the evening had to offer.

If the attendance was anything to go by, it can be said that Rwandans have embraced fashion and appreciate the progress the fashion industry has made over the last few years.

The fashion show was hosted by Radio and TV personality Makeda Mahadeo and Ugandan model Keith Karuhura, the reigning Mr Africa 2016.

Patricia Garuka Mugume, the Senior Brand Manager of BRALIRWA, one of the sponsors of the KFW, said that the fashion industry in Rwanda has come a long way and that it is important for more support to continue coming in for the sector to grow even further.

"It is time for all of us to support fashion in Rwanda because we know where it came from and today we can say it is in a better place,” Garuka said.

John Bunyeshuri, the CEO of Kigali Fashion Week, thanked everyone who played a role to ensure the success of the show, especially designers and models who worked tirelessly, as well as sponsors. He said that the KFW can only grow bigger. 

Kenyan designer Jamil Walji said that events like KFW present local and regional designers with a chance to showcase what they have and explore cross border market opportunities.

"It is my first time to attend a fashion show in Rwanda as a designer and this is a chance for me to show the people in Rwanda what I have and ready to bring it to the market here,” said Walji, adding that Africans need to buy their own products.

Through his Jamil Walji Couture, the Kenyan fashion ace blends the African traditional Kitenge fabric which he fuses with other modern fabrics to come up with impressive creations.

Other Designers that embraced the Kigali Fashion Show include Sheena Frida, also from Kenya, Winnie Godi from South Sudan, An Beurmans from Belgium, Cedric Mizero from Burundi, David Gulu from DR Congo, Malika from India, Robina from United States as well as Irene Busingye and Charity from Uganda.

Rwanda was represented by Moise Turahirwa, Delphine Uwamahoro and Asuma Wibabara. Ugandan-based Rwandan model Judith Heard Kantengwa showcased creations by Turahirwa.

Among the collections exhibited was Japanese traditional wear while the ever stylish Kitenge dominated the evenings designs, followed by silk, cotton and chiffon fabrics.

For the first time swimsuit wear was showcased with Burundian designer Mizero using a collection of models to hit the runway clad in bikinis and lingerie-like designs. 

All the designers used the opportunity to show their collections which were inspired by traditional culture in their respective countries, both in colour and design.

"I use white in my outfits as a sign of hope. I am always to represent my country Uganda in whatever I do. I also use black to depict the beauty, confidence and attitude of an African woman,” said Busingye from Uganda.

The night was spiced by performances by the new all-girl group Chic Band. The show ended towards midnight but revellers still wanted more. 

On Saturday, "The showroom”, a Rwandan-Belgian creative project was expected to take place at Impact Hub Kigali where Rwandan and international designers will showcase their collections.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw