Local and international fashion enthusiasts will soon be in for a treat as Rwanda Cultural Fashion show returns, bigger and better. Now in its 7th edition, the annual show will take place from September 5-7 and is expected to attract different players in the fashion industry for the multi-faceted event. Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, Ghana and Nigeria are among the countries that have been invited to the three-day event. The schedule will include different activities such as a fashion tour, the annual fashion show and the first ever conference, where ideas and suggestions will be shared in order to promote the fashion industry in the country and continent. The conference will put emphasis on educating and inspiring conversations about evolutions within the fashion industry and developments in regards to culture and sustainability in fashion, showcase local and international fashion designs from the different African countries as well as strategically support and strengthen sustainable fashion, creative business development in textiles and manufacturing industries in the country. This, according to organisers will create a platform for fashion designers, clients, government officials, and the private sector, among others to discuss ways to make the Made in Rwanda campaign a success. Celestin Ntawirema, CEO of Iris Pro Films the company that owns and manages the annual event, said that the activities will make the event memorable and different from all the others that have happened before, as it will ensure learning and showcasing skills. The Kigali Fashion Tour will happen on the first day, starting from Kigali Business Center (KBC) from 9am to 2pm and will include a visit to one of the textile industries in the city, to teach participants more about the Made in Rwanda business through networking with the designers of the apparel. The Fashion Conference will take place the following day, under the theme ‘’Designed in Africa, Made in Rwanda’’, from 9am to 4pm at Chez Lando, while the last day of the event will see both local and international designers showcase their collections at the Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show, from 6pm-10pm at KBC. Launched in 2012, the show is intended to celebrate designers from Rwanda and others from the East African region that use material from the African continent, as well as strive to preserve the African culture. Tickets to the different venues will go for Rwf10, 000, Rwf25, 000 and Rwf100, 000 for the Ordinary, Silver and a table, respectively. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
