My designs say a lot about my personality - Mbabazi

24-year-old Christine Mbabazi is the presenter of the Overdrive Show on Radio 10. But that’s just one of the things she does; Mbabazi is also a fashion designer and owns a boutique called Christine’s Creative Collections (CCC) located in Remera. The merry Mbabazi talks to Society Magazine’s Doreen Umutesi about her sense of fashion. How would you describe your dress sense? My dress sense is mostly on colourful clothes and African fabrics. When I’m choosing an outfit, I make it a point to blend it with the jewellery that I will wear. I’m a devoted supporter of the common English saying ‘smartness knows no weather’, this means that I will wear anything I feel is unique even when it clashes with the weather of the day. What’s your favourite clothing item? I love wearing any outfit that is made from African fabric. I can’t go a week without wearing a bright colourful figure- fitting dress. I design most of my outfits and I believe my designs say a lot about my personality. The designs project my elegance, confidence and creativity. Where do you shop your clothes from? I own a fashion boutique myself so I usually design my own clothes, tailored specifically for me. I wear my own accessories made from African fabrics using traditional designs. This draws attention to my boutique. Otherwise, I don’t have a specific place I shop from. What do you consider when shopping clothes? I usually shop for African fabrics unlike already made clothes. I choose a material that will suit a design in my mind and make what other people won’t have. If I’m to shop for clothes, I love choosing a cloth that has crazy bright colours and can match any of my shoes. What is your favourite fashion accessory? I’m so obsessed with African hand-made jewelry (earrings, necklaces and bracelets) plus a matching pair of shoes. I have many of them but I always want new ones. What is your favourite clothing item on a guy? I love seeing a guy wearing jeans and a good looking pair of shoes. What’s your favourite scent? The ordinary DKNY is my favourite. It has that deep brave apple-night rose scent that drives me crazy. Any fashion advice? I would like to tell my fellow Rwandan designers that we still have a long way to go, so we should see the sky as the limit and think outside the box which will help us to be recognised internationally with the “made in Rwanda” brands. Also, our fellow Rwandans should support us by purchasing our designs instead of going for clothes from other countries.