A Made-in-Rwanda fashion initiative stole the spotlight at the British community celebration of King Charles III’s birthday in Kigali, on Thursday, November 27, turning what is typically a diplomatic gathering into a vibrant showcase of the local creative industry’s potential and a springboard for deeper business cooperation with the United Kingdom.
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Though King Charles III was born on November 14, 1948, the British community in Rwanda marked the occasion on Thursday. The celebration blended formal diplomatic sessions with live performances by Mike Kayihura, the Symphony Band, and young performers from Sherrie Silver Foundation, before culminating in a cultural showcase dominated by Made-in-Rwanda fashion.
At the centre of the evening was a striking black gown worn by the British High Commissioner to Rwanda, Alison Thorpe. The piece, created by Inkanda Fashion House, was selected through a competitive design challenge that drew submissions from eight prominent Rwandan fashion labels.
The initiative which was co-organised by the British High Commission, the University of Westminster, Inzira Creative Partners and a collective of Rwandan designers is intended to establish a long-term commercial pipeline linking Rwanda’s creative talent with fashion markets in the United Kingdom.
The winning dress, crafted from repurposed royal curtains and adorned with Inyegamo, an ancient Rwandan decorative motif, embodied the project’s vision of harmonising British and Rwandan aesthetics into a commercially compelling fashion statement.
"I wanted to create something she could never find anywhere else,” said Inkanda founder Patrick Muhire. "A dress that carries our heritage yet feels globally elegant. That is why Inyegamo became its soul.”
To acknowledge the breadth of talent, Thorpe later changed into the runner-up design by Twinkle Fashion House. Other participants included Sonia Mugabo, Matheo Studio, Isheja Vogue, Do-Be Couture, Rwanda Clothing, Saint Umi and Twinkle Fashion.
The venue itself echoed Rwanda’s creative identity, draped in African-print reinterpretations of the Union Jack, Kitenge-infused décor and displays of locally made accessories, all reinforcing the growing sophistication of the country’s creative sector.
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According to organisers, the fashion initiative marks the first phase of a broader economic programme aimed at positioning Rwandan fashion on international platforms.
"This project is about helping extraordinary Rwandan designers scale their businesses and export to the UK,” said Darrell Kofkin, the academic lead for Rwanda programmes at the University of Westminster. "The next phase begins early in 2026, with industry exposure, business development and a major showcase planned during a Rwandan Fashion Week in London.”
The programme includes business skills training, mentorship, partnerships with UK institutions and opportunities for Rwandan designers and students to pursue short courses under Westminster University in collaboration with Rwandan universities.
Kofkin said Rwanda’s creative economy holds "phenomenal” potential.
"It is only right that a bigger spotlight shines on Rwandan fashion. Our job is to help that spotlight expand until the sector becomes a global export.”
Muhire emphasised that Made-in-Rwanda is "taking the real stages” after years of slow recognition.
This is a win for the industry, he said.
"Bringing Made-in-Rwanda to a platform like this, and eventually to London, means our market is expanding, these are eyes from across the world.”
Beyond fashion, the celebration underscored growing economic cooperation between the two countries.
According to Thorpe, British companies invested more than £230 million, approximately Rwf370 billion in Rwanda last year, particularly in the energy, mobility and technology sectors.
‘Creativity can be powerful diplomacy’
The recent launch of the British Chamber of Commerce in Rwanda represents another major step, enabling UK and Rwandan businesses to connect more efficiently and pursue joint ventures.
"Our partnership is built on collaboration, innovation and shared prosperity,” Thorpe said.
"Tonight, we celebrate His Majesty King Charles III, but we also celebrate the enduring friendship between our nations. We are building a modern partnership that places innovation, climate action, trade and cultural exchange at its core.”
Reflecting on the fashion initiative, she added, "This project proves that creativity can be powerful diplomacy. It shows how talent can open doors for trade, investment and global recognition. Rwandan designers are ready for the world and the world is ready for them.”
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to its partnership with the United Kingdom.
"The United Kingdom is a long-standing and valued partner,” he said. "Our collaboration spans education, governance, peace-building, climate resilience, innovation, trade and investment. Like all meaningful partnerships, ours has grown through dialogue, trust and mutual understanding.”
King Charles III has been a global voice for environmental protection for decades, Nduhungirehe said.
"His leadership aligns closely with Rwanda’s own commitment to sustainability, the circular economy and biodiversity conservation. These are areas where our cooperation continues to deepen.”
The minister praised the new fashion collaboration as "creative diplomacy at its best,” adding that the initiative reflects "the dynamism of our ties” and the rise of Rwanda’s creative industries.
"It demonstrates what can be achieved when innovation meets international partnership.”
Nduhungirehe also recalled the King’s 2022 visit during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), describing his engagement with communities, including the reconciliation village in Bugesera, as "a moment of genuine connection that Rwandans still cherish.”