Today someone complimented me with this words: “You have a nice watch, where did you buy it?” and I was to launch a big lie but I recalled that no gentleman should lie unless it is necessary mega important (just never lie) and in reply I said it is a gift from my girlfriend, it is just a quartz stainless steel watch and truth is I really haven’t realized the importance of watches in times where we look at our smartphones as much as we blink. But why wear a watch? Is it just for time? And is it really important?

Here is a short story:

The story of men wearing wrist watches started in World War I where soldiers tired of fishing around their pockets to find the ubiquitous pocket watch started wearing it on a bracelet on their wrists but until then, a watch worn on a bracelet was considered strictly women’s fashion and as time went on it become a norm.

But lately the wrist watches are slowly becoming obsolete since we live in the smartphone era so why should you wear a wrist watch when you can easily consult your phone for a quick time-check?

Here are 3 reasons why you should wear a wrist watch, I repeat these are 3 reasons why Ivan urges you to wear that wrist watch:

1. Watches create a relationship with time

Since the days of the sundial (a device that tells the time of day by the apparent position of the sun in the sky) – men have been obsessed with devices that measure time – a reminder that our time is limited.

As I always say, time is the most important currency in our life (yes, better than Dollars…) and since the creation of the world, men are fascinated by these devices that claim to mark and control time and when it comes to me, wearing a watch has a positive effect on my attitude towards time. I am more attentive to how I spend my 24 hours a day.

2. Watches are convenient

Phones don’t keep you punctual. Watches do. A wrist watch is the most convenient way to tell the time.

“I don’t need a watch because I have a phone” is a common response from today’s generation. Fishing for a cell phone on regular occasions just to check the time looks desperate.

A quick glance towards your wrist is a much classier way to keep tabs on time during a date or a meeting. Not to mention how rude it would seem to your companions if you pulled out your phone during a conversation or just imagine how those old ladies would look at you if you dare remove your cellphone in a funeral or wedding here in Kigali so my conclusion is that a watch is a much more subtle and convenient way to check time.

3. Watches are stylish and classy

I was complimented because I was wearing a watch so you understand that little piece on your hand tells much about you.

In addition to helping wearers stick to their schedules, wristwatches make it easier for them to display their sense of style. They are a form of self-expression – reflecting hint of danger, adventure and sports depending on the make of the watch.

Watches can communicate a lot about the wearer’s personality. As the saying goes: boys look at their smartphones to check time – men look at a watch.

In conclusion, please get yourself a watch, a real good watch and I hope the next time you will be reading my post you will be having one on your wrist.

Please don’t forget to get in touch with me on my social networks, Stay safe and sound.

Gentlemanwalking – Fashion Blogger and Gentleman Ivan Nyagatare writes about everything related to fashion, style and lifestyle. Only on fashionrwanda.com

I have talked a lot about adventure, freedom, love and motivation; all those never-to-forget feelings that our clothes wear on us. But the one thing that has stayed unsaid and I still apologize to have not made it the first article on this Pearls of Fashion series, is for all the ladies that have not loved their bodies enough to stay confident in their own skin and style.

Fashion is what it is today because of the people that are confident enough to flaunt their bodies on cameras, runways, and streets. Some at this point will immediately roll their eyes saying that it’s because they are skinny and their bodies suit to be seen by everybody’s eyes. You are not wrong but before hating your figure because you think someone else has better, I want you to remember that that is your body and that’s all you got, and the only thing it asks of you is to love it because no one else owns it like you do. Fashion is not just about clothes, colors, patterns and skinny models. Fashion is about feelings, bodies, and clothes. So if you don’t feel comfortable in your body, no cloth will look comfortable on you.

I am not here to tell you that if you don’t like how your body is figured, then try to leave it as it is. Honey, put in work if you can. Maybe I have been watching a lot of Revenge Body by Khloe Kardashian, but I want you to try hard to be a better you. Good things do not come easy, they take energy and time. Work out, eat right, a little bit of sweat do you good at the end of the day. Look at yourself in the mirror and remember that there has never and will never be another you, and from there treat yourself right and love your body for the sake of fashion.

You are fashion. And I want all of you ladies to love your body and yourselves more than Kylie Jenner’s booty and curves. You are only beautiful when you let yourself be beautiful. Your style, your fashion, it all start with your body.

Pearls of Fashion – Fashion blogger and poet Olga Divine Agahozo writes about fashion in Rwanda and its social impact. The beauty, style and identity in Rwandan fashion. Only on fashionrwanda.com

Ladies, we commonly talk about our own fashion, but ironically most of us got a thing for men with that type of hair style, wearing those types of shoes, fitting their torsos in that type of shirt, standing tall/short in them types of jeans. Whether you are into the typical bad boy that’s all about dangerous adventures, or the gentleman we all feel safe with, they attracted you or repelled you by what they wore when you first met.

We care about your looks too. We are not demanding shiny coats, detailed tops from you; we only want you clean, smart, and representing who you are and what we liked you for. The way you look may enforce us to wanting to know you deeply. When we step hand in hand in a party we want our friends’ mouth to go wide open when they see you. We are fully aware that most of men go with simplicity and perceive fashion as women’s world, but beware with the guy that has his style handled neatly because he might steal your girls’ eyes.

A man with a sense of style tells us something; he tells us that he takes good care of himself, his room is not a mess, and it would just feel so right to walk beside him. It’s not so hard to have some pair of jeans on your size, rich colored shirts that hugs your body right, and of course some tight T-shirts to show ladies your muscles. Men’s fashion is not difficult to adopt, it only asks them to stay clean and avoid chaotic colors in what they wear. Actually before you leave your room, spray on some fine cologne, and yes you are ready to turn heads.

RWANDA CLOTHING got you with men’s styles and they promise you that your girl is going to love it. Just as much as we are proud of being your ladies, we also want to be proud of your styles gentlemen.

Pearls of Fashion – Fashion blogger and poet Olga Divine Agahozo writes about fashion in Rwanda and its social impact. The beauty, style and identity in Rwandan fashion. Only on fashionrwanda.com

A man named Larry Price once said “Evolve or Dissolve… It’s your decision”. Well, for the sake of human kind that is of course composed by their clients (*mind my winks) RWANDA CLOTHING has decided to evolve.

The new RWANDA CLOTHING STORE Kigali: woody, white, lights, music and everywhere smiling faces are at your service when your tiptoes pass their porch and your eyes will surely be mesmerized, I can bet on that. After stepping in the store on your left you may just bow or say hello to their mannequins and on your right you will spot their vintage woody table (I just love it – so classic!) full of their accessories and a huge mirror, ohh… have I expressed my love for mirrors to you? I think I am telling you a lot and I believe you will describe it better than me after going through these prettifying images.

The icing on the cake is that it is only 8 footsteps on your left from their old store and if you are eager to check out the future RWANDA CLOTHING collections and products … well you may get there in 3 strides as they are now one door away from their design atelier and workshop where visitors may not only admire and buy their clothes and accessories but also feel the freshness of the fabric straight from the designers and tailors.

The adorned, embellished, enhanced, smarten, garnished and glamorized RWANDA CLOTHING STORE Kigali is waiting for your visit.

And if you don’t find your way to the store, I’d be pleased to guide you there! Stay safe and sound!

Find here the RWANDA CLOTHING STORE Kigali

“But dear Ivan, what do you mean by calling someone a peacock?” you may now ask yourself. Well let me start by defining this term: A peacock in dressing and behaving is referred to that guy who tries too hard to separate himself from the crowd but always messes up not only with his outfit but also with his conduct towards others. I believe we all know that arrogant behaving guy who hits the nightclub with sunglasses, right? That’s a peacock.

If you are reading this article I am very sure that you are not a peacock but let me give you these 3 tips and maybe you will mind your peacock friends and neighbors and share those tips with them to give them a chance to become stylish gentlemen.

1. Dress for your body.

If you read this fashion blog frequently, I am pretty sure you did read the article that I published on 24^th January 2017 and if you didn’t, then please give it some attention now (rwandaclothing.com/dress-for-your-body). Dressing for your body will make you stand out of the crowd just in a more James Bond’s style (and we all love James Bond I am sure).

2. Invest in Shoes.

Recently I came across this sentence from Mr. Potter Evans: “Ladies will notice and judge you by your shoes”. I do rarely spend money for going to parties but at the end of the month before paying house rent, I am buying a new pair of shoes. As a guy who’s got the best shoes you will edge out all the other men in the room and be known for having great attention to detail and looking good from head to toe.

3. Have Manners.

Lately I have been posting on Instagram (@Gentlemanwalkin) my A to Z of what should be defining a gentleman and I realized that I had to learn a lot more about the gentleman’s etiquette than the little that I knew about it already. One thing I learned is that you need to understand local customs and rules of conduct wherever you go. So remember the basics that you learned as a child, as for example to say please, thank you and excuse me, and develop from there your best manners in order to avoid being a peacock and become a real gentleman instead.

Truth is, I was a peacock at one point and you possibly know how much peacock you are yourself. But I believe, we are all striving to improve daily and so should we also improve our clothing and attitude as to really metamorphose into gentlemen.

Stay safe and sound.

Gentlemanwalking – Fashion Blogger and Gentleman Ivan Nyagatare writes about everything related to fashion, style and lifestyle. Only on fashionrwanda.com

I came, I saw, I conquered… said Julius Caesar in year 47 BC after winning the Battle of Zela and yes, models also have their battle and in this article I am sharing mine which I titled as “My Veni, Vidi, Vici”.

1. The “Veni”

Translated as “I came”. In Rwanda there are no such things as agents or model management companies which do all the findings and paperwork for us models. So instead every model needs to update her- or himself about any possible casting call and any other modelling related opportunities.

In my case I am lucky that I have friends at RWANDA CLOTHING so I was notified of their casting and as any other model I showed up and was casted with hopes of being selected for the event.

So it is really important for models in Rwanda to keep informing themselves and follow closely the growth of the industry and one way of doing that is by keeping in touch with the social media accounts of clothing brands and designers.

2. The “Vici”

Translated as “I Saw”. All models would love to scream out that they were selected for this show I’m talking about here and if you have been chosen, this is the moment then when you have to make some changes in your agenda.

I called this part “I Saw” because I used this phrase a lot few days after leaving the casting, when every model I know was asking me if I saw a text message by RWANDA CLOTHING saying that I was picked to perform and I was like “Yeah, I saw it – I have received it!”

Helas! Seeing the message is not enough, you have to make some changes accordingly like freeing your time for rehearsals and fittings, and in my case I also did the following:

– I had 4 gym sessions just to flex the muscles

– I had to do some jogging and stretch my lazy legs a little bit

– I had to practice my runway poses to pull out a unique pose for the show

Depending on the importance that you attach to your modelling carrier you will need to work really hard off the lights.

3. The “Vici”

Translated as “I conquered”. Yes… Hearts, Smiles, Lenses and Money are to be conquered by a model. Here we are talking about the day of the show where you have to be perfect for your role.

In my case, I arrived at the venue 2 hours before the show, rehearsed with other models, took some photos and performed. One thing that I loved is that models were paid straight after the show and they all went home satisfied.

Another thing I realized is that modelling for a brand is not just about being in front of the spotlights and cameras – you are part of their show and their team and as a brand’s representative your work is also to talk to people who came to the show, say thanks to the designer and all the staff that helped in preparing the show and so on…that is called “Good Manners” and doing your work as a model well.

In concluding this tale, you may have realized that I am not as good as the ancient Roman writers were when telling the stories of Caesar but it’s always good to tell stories and so please also share with me your stories and get in touch with me on my social network accounts. Stay safe and sound.

Gentlemanwalking – Fashion Blogger and Gentleman Ivan Nyagatare writes about everything related to fashion, style and lifestyle. Only at fashionrwanda.com

One thing that was very remarkable on the female models in the RWANDA CLOTHING fashion show on the 24^th February 2017 was the impressive hairstyles. I like ponytails when it comes to hairstyles, that’s why I asked around for the person who was in charge of the hair. I was informed that all the praises are to “Marina Bella Natural Hair Salon & Cosmetics” here in Kigali. I couldn’t help but pay a visit to this salon.

Upon my arrival, I was warmly welcomed by Mrs. Alexanderia Haidara, the managing director of “Marina Bella Natural Hair Salon & Cosmetics”. First thing I noticed was the African style of the interior design of her salon. From the furniture to the décor, passing by the uniforms of her employees – everything was designed with an African touch. In this good atmosphere we had then an interesting conversation about her experience with the fashion show. Here is what she said about the show and the hairstyles:

What were your impressions about the last RWANDA CLOTHING fashion show?

I really enjoyed the show. It gave me a different idea about African fabrics and how to use them to have a modern look. It’s like a fusion between Western and African way of dressing. It was great and there were a lot of people there. We really enjoyed participating in the show by showing what we can do on the hair side, because hair is fashion too.

What went on when you were working with the models?

We spent some time with them at the salon. It was great to work with them, and some had already been to our salon before. They liked the work that we do, the reputation and the products we use.

How would you describe the hairstyle that you did with the models?

Joselyne of RWANDA CLOTHING wanted a high ponytail. We used extensions, straightened and sleek the hair to a high ponytail. Some of the girls had short hair, so we couldn’t do everyone a ponytail but the rest had long enough hair. They were looking really professional!

How was it working with RWANDA CLOTHING?

We’ve been open for a year and Joselyne was one of our first customers. We were always trying to figure out a way to partner. Then, one of her models told us that they were preparing a fashion show. I contacted them and told them I wanted to help with the hairstyles. Joselyne was very open and supported the idea, as it was a platform for us to show the work that we do. We had a good experience with them and I’d definitely want to work with RWANDA CLOTHING again in the future.

The professionalism and uniqueness that I witnessed at the salon left me with a sense of satisfaction. I am now thinking about taking my lady there for her next hairdo! I’m grateful that Alexanderia hosted me, hoping to see her amazing work again soon.

You tube Commerical: http://youtu.be/HtFnZLjyRkk

Facebook: http://facebook.com/Marina-Bella-Natural-Hair-Salon-and-Cosmetics-1460459110867474

Instagram: Marina Bella Natural Hair Salon

Because no one should have to break the bank to be stylish.

Greetings and welcome to another piece of my Gentlemanwalking-series and for this time I have tried to collect 5 fashionable items that will improve your style and are also available for under 5000 RWF.

Please venture in town, pass the roundabout and get to the local shops. All these items can be purchased there, so all you need is to find the one that you like.

1. A Watch

Well Gentlemen, there is always a start to each greatness and so it is in getting stylish. Before getting to wear some big brands like Rolex or some other watches that will cost you over 5000 USD, why don’t you start with just a 5000 RWF watch to get you used to it?

Watches send a powerful message to others, they show that you are mature, that you are always on time and they show that you really care about time, which is the main currency of our daily life.

2. Glasses

Glasses are always the perfect touch to accessorize your style with and please don’t think of them as the medicine for eye-defected people but more of the important tool to beautify your face.

Other than providing you protection against the sun’s rays, sunglasses also add a touch of style.

3. Belt

Invest in a good belt that can last for a pretty long period of time. Black and chocolate brown are among the colors that can make huge difference for those who want to stand out in the crowd. These colors are fantastic because they can easily match with anything and also with most of the leather shoes.

I decided to go for leather belts simply because I can rock them on jeans and still put them on my suit. So please go get a good belt!

4. Wallet

A wallet stores your identification documents and the money which you work so hard to get and you can find quality wallets under 5000 RWF.

Everyone needs a clean and stylish wallet!

5. Tie

The greater the number of ties that a man has the better. Buy the kind of tie that you can afford, but you need not settle for an awful material – silk is always the best choice. I personally love vintage ties and I once did buy an Yves-St-Laurent tie at just 3000 RWF on the street.

Bow ties can be an alternative if you don’t really like ties.

BONUS: I can’t really promise you that you will get other stylish items like hats, rings and awesome bracelets for less than 5000 RWF – but give it a try as I believe they can really improve your style as well.

In concluding this article I can say that in the end quality determines the price and for a better quality of all these items mentioned above you will have to pay more than 5000 RWF but for this article I do stress a lot on the importance of trying to use our small budget/savings and invest it in styling ourselves and I promise you that it will be a pleasuring journey.

If pleased with this article, remember to subscribe to our blog and please leave a comment to me on my social network accounts. Stay safe and sound.

Gentlemanwalking – Fashion Blogger and Gentleman Ivan Nyagatare writes about everything related to fashion, style and lifestyle. Only at fashionrwanda.com

2017 just marked the 5^th year of existence of RWANDA CLOTHING. On the climax of this cherished 5^th anniversary, a fashion show was organized to showcase the SPRING 2017 collection – a “Best-of-5-Years-RWANDA CLOTHING-Collection” that features the new style of the most popular designs from 2012 to 2017. This awesome event took place on Friday, 24^th of February 2017 at the BPN Multipurpose Hall in Kigali.

I arrived on location 10 minutes before the scheduled start time, 7PM. People were coming in, models were getting ready, good music was played and I just sensed that the following hours would be very pleasant. The introduction speech was given by the representative of BPN Rwanda, Mrs. Alice Nkulikiyinka, who welcomed everyone and congratulated RWANDA CLOTHING for 5 years of business.

Then, what we have been all waiting for started: models came on the runway – the show started. The biggest surprise was right before us: along male and female models were kid models with tailored to fit styles! Every single person in the audience was amazed and clapping with enthusiasm.

Right after the models at the end of the show, Joselyne Umutoniwase, founder and main designer of RWANDA CLOTHING walked in and was welcomed with a round of applause for the amazing collection she had just presented to us. In her address, she thanked everyone that has been with her through these five years. She also emphasized on how RWANDA CLOTHING is like a family and that everyone who was present that evening was a member of that big family which keeps growing even bigger. Then came the obligatory birthday cake. Joselyne invited us all to have a share on the cake and to spend the rest of the evening chatting, sipping a drink and thinking about the next five years.

It was time to go out of the hall and to keep the conversations around a drink. I took the occasion to talk to some people who had attended about the impressions that evening gave them. Gamma, a prominent model in Rwanda said: “This evening was special as RWANDA CLOTHING was celebrating their 5^th anniversary. It is well known that they make good things, and this evening was no exception!” Gigi, another renowned model asserted: “The event was amazing. Actually how it was organized and how everything was on point. They are creative and inspirational, and I hope to work with them again in the future.”

Thibaout, a fashion enthusiast from Belgium confessed that: “I was pleased by this evening! It was a total discovery to me. I have some few weeks in Rwanda and I am trying to discover its faces, fashion included. I was invited by a friend, and I am so happy to have experienced this event!”

I managed to talk to Joselyne for a minute, and I asked her how she was feeling after this milestone accomplished. She replied: “Today was a really special day because we celebrated five years of the company. For us it is a big deal because we started small in a country where people didn’t really know a lot about fashion. It took us a lot of efforts to come to this level. Today was to celebrate this with our customers. It’s like a family birthday party.”

Oh, how about me? “Awesome” is the word that describes the evening for me. I am honored to be part of this beloved family and I too am looking forward to the next five years, keep sharing with you my perspective on this industry along RWANDA CLOTHING.

See the photos of the fashion show: SPRING 2017- The Show

Modelling, much like other fields, is made up of a variety of genres or types. Some types are big while others are more niches, but they’re all types of modelling nonetheless. Let’s run them down! This article comes as a follow up of the article entitled “Can I Be A Model” and also we will view its existence in our industry.

1. High Fashion Photo Modelling

I think when people talk of modelling this is one of the first things that comes to their minds. Glossy magazine editorials, web appearances, ads for the top designer brands, gigs at top designers’ shows – this is high fashion. In Rwanda it is the second most sought type of modelling and is only done by few models and as example Alexia Uwera Mupende who modelled the special VLISCO Collection for RWANDA CLOTHING (check out at: rwandaclothing.com/collection/vlisco-2016).

2. Runway Modelling

This is the second thing that comes to people’s minds when you mention the term modelling. It involves fashion shows, walking on the catwalk to display designer clothes and showcasing items from a particular brand or theme. In Rwanda it is the most sought type of modelling as a lot of youngsters are involved in that kind of modelling since their debut in their high schools.

3. Commercial Modelling

This category covers many subcategories across various media, from print to TV to live events and surprisingly you don’t need to be good looking or have great portfolios – just good connections with the right people. In Rwanda many people who are used in this type of modelling are music artists and actors.

4. Glamour Modelling

More focused on the physical appearance of the model, and thus the models here need to conform to a certain aesthetic standard. These type of modelling hasn’t really laid it’s foot in Rwanda as some models involved in the Glamour Modelling are asked to pose naked and it also does involve a lot erotic poses and that is contrary to local discipline and culture.

5. Catalogue Modelling

Coverage depends on the kind of catalogue, but it’s mostly modelling for various products in different industries, from apparel to hardware. Models in this field are affiliated with brands and appear in their catalogues. This type of modelling is not really on the market in Rwanda but it pays well in the western world.

6. Teen/Child Modelling

This is age-based and requires permission from the parents. Basically anyone under the age of 18 can be considered a teen model and under 12 being considered a child model. Recently RWANDA CLOTHING had a model casting for children under the age of 10 – it was the first of its kind in Rwanda and I was really curious of its outcome. After I was informed that over 30 children participated in the casting and ten child models have been chosen for the runway in the RWANDA CLOTHING fashion show of the Spring Collection 2017.

7. Plus-size and Petite Modelling

The name very much explains it. This is a based on body type kind of modelling and here in Rwanda there is no such kind of modelling. Not yet!

8. Fitness Modelling

For health and sports magazines mostly and could also include modelling for nutrition-related products. Models involved in this needs toned, well-built physiques. In Rwanda there are few models in the Fitness Modelling type and they often join the Runways for catwalks.

Modelling indeed comes in many different types, so there are multiple options for aspiring models in case you’re targeting specific niches or roles. Even if you’re already doing some modelling, you can always try out other types to broaden your horizons and diversify your portfolio. Who knows, you might find one you truly like after trying out a few of these types and keep your eyes on our blog as we will be specifically studying each type in our coming posts for better understanding and their role in the fashion industry in Rwanda

Enjoyed this article? Keep in touch with me on my social network accounts and I hope you are eager to read our next blog posts. Meanwhile, stay safe and sound!

Gentlemanwalking – Fashion Blogger and Gentleman Ivan Nyagatare writes about everything related to fashion, style and lifestyle. Only at fashionrwanda.com