Local fashion house, Haute Baso, did the country proud at The Mercedes Benz Fashion Week which was held in Johannesburg, South Africa last week. The only Rwandan fashion house at the event, showcased a collection themed “Resilience of a Nation”, using military prints and neutral tones. “As a brand, whenever we travel, it is with great pride that we represent our home because it always inspires well deserved positive comments and praise,” Linda Ndungutse, co-founder of Haute Baso told The New Times. RwandAir, the national carrier, sponsored her travel. According to Ndungutse, the three day event was an amazing experience, and their second opportunity to showcase their products outside Rwanda. It was also a networking opportunity with other designers from around the continent who share the same passion. “We are young entrepreneurs who are from a country that fosters our growth and provides opportunities to continuously better ourselves. It is our responsibility to work hard to put our best foot forward when representing Rwanda, Ndungutse added. With her co-founder, Candy Basomingera, Ndungutse says she will use the lessons picked in South Africa to improve the local fashion sector. The fashion house is currently planning for another fashion show scheduled for October. Under Collective Rwanda, which includes Sonia Mugabo, House of Tayo, Inzuki Designs, the fashion show will feature Rwanda’s best design talent and will promote “Made in Rwanda” products. The event in South Africa was organised by African Fashion International (AFI) with the aim of bringing together several Pan African designers to network and share experience on how to improve the fashion industry. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
