Rwandan shoe brand Uzuri K&Y is among the six finalists for the third edition of the "Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge.”

Reports from the U.S. indicate that the Rwanda fashion house which specializes in footwear is among the elite finalists in the renowned fashion brand’s programme which "strives to continue amplifying and supporting black, indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) entrepreneurs, who are working to advance their communities, while fostering a more inclusive future of fashion.”

Uzuri K&Y, which specializes in eco-friendly footwear that uses recycled car tires while employing local youth and women, is up against brands, such as Clothes to Good, Haelixa, Mafi Mafi, Lalaland, and Soko who are also in the finals.

According to available information, the six finalists will pitch their business plans and ideas to a panel of judges consisting of business and sustainability leaders at the final virtual global event from January 12 to 13, 2022.

Judges will include Tommy Hilfiger global CEO Martijn Hagman; adjunct professor of entrepreneurship, technology and media at INSEAD business school Esther Verburg; and managing director of Fashion for Good Katrin Ley.

Arooj Aftab, the founder of #DonewithDiversity, will host the final event where the jury will award €200,000, approximately $225,000, to be split between two chosen winners in order to support their ventures.

The winners will also receive a year-long mentorship with both Tommy Hilfiger and INSEAD experts, as well as a place in the INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship Programme (ISEP).

An additional €15,000, approximately $17,000, will be awarded to the finalist who Tommy Hilfiger associates will select as their ‘Audience Favourite’ vote.

"The Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge embodies our long-standing mission to harness the power of fashion to foster inclusivity, representation and change,” said Tommy Hilfiger in a statement.

"Our industry will only move forward with new, fresh ideas that challenge how we think, build and create. As a brand, it’s vital we use our platform to give entrepreneurs like our finalists a voice and opportunity to create real and long-lasting impact,” it added.

The brand CEO added that "As key players in the fashion industry, it is our responsibility to support, empower and encourage inclusivity. The Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge is a testament of our commitment to make a meaningful and lasting contribution towards a better fashion industry.”

"It is in our nature to drive change, even in the most challenging of times. We are proud to continue amplifying the ideas of entrepreneurs that are creating the fashion landscape we want, and need, to see.” Hagman added.

Uzuri K&Y describes itself as an African inspired shoe brand and manufacturer established in Rwanda since 2013.

The company was founded by two women entrepreneurs (Kevine Kagirimpundu & Ysolde Shimwe) who met at university while studying Creative Designs.

The two young women simply believed that it would be ideal to gather knowledge and create a common mission. They have since opened several stores in the City of Kigali.

Efforts to get a comment from any of the two partners were futile by press time.