The Rwanda Fashion Week runway show that took place on June 23, at BK Arena, showcased local and international fashion, accessories, and interior designers from across the world, marking the of the Fashion Week which was a side event of the Commonwealth Business Forum. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall were in attendance as special guests. The Fashion Week started on Monday with showcasing designers at Atelier in Kimihurura and closed on Thursday, June 23, with a runway show. Prior to the runway show, the Commonwealth market place and Photography exhibition took place from June 22-25 with over 800 delegates. From the runway to the lighting and attendance, the organisers, Collective Rw, put up an exquisite show, a celebration of fashion and innovation. Formerly, Collective Rwanda Fashion Week, the fashion show was inspired by the themes of CHOGM 2022 and featured both established and emerging designers. The meticulous fashion runaway brought together 16 brands from Africa, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom, with wonderful and creative work from the designers. The local designers that participated in the show are Haute Baso, Sonia Mugabo, Inzuki, Rwanda Clothing, Uzi Collection, Izubaa, and Amike. International brands included, South Africa’s Pichulik, Kenyan designers Kiko Romeo and Amu Clothing, Keneea Linton George from Jamaica, Nigeria’s Pepper Row and Dye Lab, Ghana’s Larry Jay, and designers from the UK, Georgia Hardinge, and Maximilian Raynor. First on stage were Izubaa and Amike, their collection a mix of summer and office, next on the runaway was Kiko Romeo from Kenya and his style had a mix of their culture, the fabrics were amazing and the designs match each occasion. One of the highlights of the night was a pregnant model showcasing designs from Jamaica’s Keneea Linton George. The designer’s aim was to show women that they can embrace their pregnancy without shying away from fashion. Other than that her collection had vibrant colors of yellow and green that celebrated Jamaica and its unique resort lifestyle. The pregnant model was elegant and professional, surprising everyone with her confidence that the audience enthusiastically applauded the designer for her creativity. The rest of the designers on the runaway included Sonia Mugabo’s designs which were a summer theme made of a thin material that meets the hot weather of summer and Larry Jay from Ghana, which portrayed the death-bride. DYE LAB one of the designers from Nigeria also graced the stage with a collection that explored the culture of Nigeria and with a touch of casual yet chic designs for both the office and ceremonies. In the spirit of letting people have an experience on the runaway, distinguished public figures like Sherrie Silver, Christelle Kabagire, Noella A. Keza, and other random people from the audience were called on the stage to show off their catwalk skills and also give them a feel that it is not easy as it looks.
