Clothing is a basic requirement much like access to food, drink, and shelter especially in terms of offering warmth and defense against harsh weather conditions. Clothing is also a form of cultural identity and expression.
The history of fashion and clothing in Rwanda is difficult to trace as there is very little written documentation from the past. However, some information can be gathered from art like traditional clothes available to the people today and, oral history passed down over generations.
Rwandan fashion has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving from traditional clothing rooted in Rwandan culture to a burgeoning fashion scene with Global recognition.
Rwanda attire has a rich heritage. Rwandans wore garments made from locally sourced materials such as banana leaves, bark, and animal skins. The colonial influence and Westernization brought significant changes to Rwandan Fashion. European colonization introduced Western clothing styles, which gradually began to replace traditional attire. This period was marked by a complex interplay between traditional and modern fashion influences.
Following Rwanda’s independence in 1962, there was a resurgence of interest in preserving and promoting Rwandan culture. This renewed appreciation for tradition also extended to clothing. Efforts were made to revive and celebrate traditional Rwandan attire, particularly for cultural events and ceremonies.
The emergence of contemporary Rwandan fashion has been characterized by four major points:
Educational initiatives for Rwandan designers who had opportunities to study fashion design both locally and abroad. In 2008, Rwanda’s first-ever fashion school Amani-K opened its doors in Kigali. It was founded by Amani Kalisa after five years of training in India.
Supportive Government Policies: Birth of Made in Rwanda
The Made in Rwanda campaign was launched in 2015 by the Government of Rwanda to build up awareness of the benefits of buying Rwandan-made products. Those products are wood products, ceramics and pottery, hand textiles and hand-loomed products, embroidery and woven products, and basketry and Mats.
Before the supportive government Initiative of Made in Rwanda, Joselyne UMUTONIWASE started Rwanda Clothing in 2012. Her objective was to offer clothes made in Rwanda and by Rwandans.
Global exposure: Participation in international fashion events, such as African Fashion Week and international collaborations, has put Rwandan designers on the global fashion map.
Cultural Fusion: Rwandan designers often incorporate traditional elements into their contemporary designs, creating a unique fusion of past and present.
Fashion Events and Platforms
Rwanda has seen the emergence of fashion events and platforms that celebrate and showcase local talent. Events like the Kigali Fashion Week in 2012, Collective Rwanda Fashion Week, and the Made in Rwanda Expo have become instrumental in promoting Rwandan fashion nationally and internationally.
TOP 10 Rwandan Fashion houses
The Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show gave in July 2023 a classification of the best designers in Rwanda’s building fashion scene.
- Rwanda Clothing byJoselyne UMUTONIWASE
- Moshions by Moses TURAHIRWA
- Inzuki Designs by Teta ISIBO
- Uzuri K & Y by Ysode SHIMWE and Kevine KAGIRIMPUNDU
- House of Tayo by Matayo RUGAMBA
- Haute BASO by Linda MUKANGOGA and Candy BASOMINGERA
- Tanga Designs by NIYITANGA
- Karssh Collection by Karen Uwera
- Touch of Rwanda Fashion Designs by Charlotte SHEMA
- Zoi_by_Mackenzies
Fashion-related events and venues that honor and display local talent have grown in Rwanda. The promotion of Rwandan fashion both domestically and abroad has been greatly supported by events like the Made in Rwanda Expo, Collective Rwanda Fashion Week, and Kigali Fashion Week.
While the Rwandan fashion industry has made significant strides, it still faces challenges such as access to resources, funding, and market access. However, the future looks promising as the industry continues to grow and innovate.
