Revelers impressed by Muslim fashion show

Local fashionistas once again proved that Muslim attire is a force to reckon with in the fashion world in a show held at the Manor Hotel, Nyarutarama on Saturday.

Monday, March 11, 2013
Mali sings at the function.

Local fashionistas once again proved that Muslim attire is a force to reckon with in the fashion world in a show held at the Manor Hotel, Nyarutarama on Saturday.The evening started off with spectacular performances by Miss Jojo, Mali and Jody. Designers didn’t disappoint either, as they showcased current fashion trends. Eagerness for the event to start was evident and the anticipation caused loud cheers when models sashayed down the runway.Islamic fashion has a variety of new trends, unlike before when it was monotonous and less stylish. However, today, the Muslim fashion industry is very promising. From casual wear to formal wear, the fashion gala was an absolute hit. Designs showcased at the show include conventional and non-conventional hijabs, Indian wear, long sleeved shirts and pencil trousers, long casual dresses, harem pants, jumpsuits and Caribbean dresses and skirts. Blazers were displayed mostly to represent official attire where as the light cotton sweaters represented the casual look. Wedding gowns also featured on the runway. The gowns were matched with sequins, diamonds and pearls. Bright colours dominated some of the dresses, with a great balance between colour blocking and animal prints. "Many women wonder how to dress decently for occasions so this show was organised to answer their questions,” songstress Miss Jojo, vice president of the Muslim Youth Association for Development (or AJDM in its French acronym), told The New Times. 

According to the singer, the turn up at the event was reasonable, considering the fact that this was their first fashion show. The Inshuti star hopes for a better turn-up next time around. Although Miss Jojo, née Josiane Uwineza, claims the show was intended for all Rwandan women, designers focused on Muslim women. However, including non-Muslims on their next agenda is a thought. All the proceeds from the show will go to charity. The youth organisation hopes to start with empowering housewives in Kicukiro."Women are not at the same level with their male counterparts. We shall hold capacity building programmes,” Miss Jojo said.  "We intend to teach women creative activities such as art and craft. Here, they can start up their own business,” she added.The fashion show was organised by AJMD – Njye Nawe, which aims at supporting needy Muslim families and Rwandans in general, socially and economically with specific assistance in health, education, nutrition and sanitation.The show started at 7:00p.m and ended at 10:00p.m.