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

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

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

“Men are like wine – some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age” those words are of the late Pope John XXIII in the earlier 1960’s and they very much apply to clothing brands as some turn into vinegar and others embrace their cellaring journey beautifully.

Since we have started on an aging and improving note, let’s view one that is celebrating both and that is RWANDA CLOTHING which is officially a half-decade old. I stress on officially because this brand’s history goes far beyond that and for the pleasure of your eyes just click “here” to read more about this marvelous brand.

It is with “this” dream that Joselyne Umutoniwase started RWANDA CLOTHING and now 5 years later a good customer care and keeping in touch with their clients throughout the creating process is their way of doing business.

Just like wine that grows majestically with time developing a stronger aroma, initially deep purple, turns reddish, then slightly orange, then dull brown. The aging of the wine brings up new flavours and textures and RWANDA CLOTHING promises innovative fashion ideas that are authentic and genuine and vows to bring new African design influences to the fashion market which consists of very fresh, beautiful, feminine/masculine and colourful designs combined with up-to-date styles and cuttings and all of that to satisfy their customers.

“The satisfaction of our RWANDA CLOTHING customers motivates us to work even harder in order to fulfill all their high expectations, and we are proud to have such customers because they’ve made RWANDA CLOTHING the fashion brand that we want to be.” said Euphron Nshimyumuremyi who is their Assistant Store Manager in Kigali.

I would really write a lot about RWANDA CLOTHING but I am leaving a map for you here so you can also enjoy the adventure and if you are lost ask rwandaclothing.com but meanwhile let’s get a Cabernet Sauvignon, pop the cork and Cheers to 5 years!

Many years ago, a man named Bill Blass was about to go in a party with friends and after a deep stare in his wardrobe for long he decided to opt for reddish clothes and later quoted: “When in doubt wear red”. Well readers, to me that’s a fashion mantra.

I believe we all have witnessed in-love-toddlers sharing a red rose or double taps resulting in red hearts and have heard of those who auctioned their souls for a place on a Red Carpet. In fashion, red clothes have this instinct and beautiful effect on both the wearer and people who see them as they attract attention and beautify their environment. Take red, crown it with black and flourish it with colourful leaves and call it a dress, beautiful isn’t it? Yes and that’s a RWANDA CLOTHING new creation, a masterpiece of Joselyne Umutoniwase who worked with the best brand in the African fabric industry – VLISCO, and elegantly designed, made “The VLISCO Collection 2016” which is inspired from the beauty and allure of mother nature.

The dress is daring creation with an Igitenge-made-of bottom covered of flowery leaves accentuated with a yellowish touch and white stripes which form sun rays and radiates between black and red lines, the upper part is marked by a long neck black addition which leaves an oval opening at the back and a beautiful design on the arms for a flair for the spectacular with spring colours.

This timeless chic dress to posses can beautify any lady with it’s loose fitting and modest look it can be worn for dressy or casual situations and perfectly fits an accentuated waist or a graceful slim silhouette and at the RWANDA CLOTHING STORE we also provide you the accompanying garments and accessories.

This dress is just one piece of our amazing and lavishing collection, meet next time for a view and wordy taste of our VLISCO Collection 2016. Stay safe and sound.

There is something about nature that has created fashion itself. The color of the sunset, the allure of the autumn leaves and the lights that blow cities up. Everything that surrounds us is a source of inspiration to most designers.

We have seen amazing color combinations and pattern collections that designers use and thought it was just an imagination. Yes it is, but it all comes from what they once seen out in the world, in the streets, in a garden. Nature interacts with human beings at the point it even becomes a source of ideas for fashion and art. Some were inspired by the beauty of women’s body, the skin tone and the eyes; some the color of the sky at 5AM in the morning and the red full moon. The color mashup has always been an essential type of art when it comes to fashion; how relatable they are with the season and the suitable events themselves. African fashion has identified the most with natural colors like the brown of the tree branches, the green of the grasses and the animal skins (Impu). This shows how African designers fetch inspirations from what surrounds them with purity and originality.

Luxury and venues have also played a very important role in the designing field. Designers look at who they are designing for and get the inspiration even from the venues they expect the ceremonies to take place at. The consideration of the shining chandeliers in ballrooms and the type of event even if it is cultural or casual can be a focus for them. Designers play with each and every detail that influences their designs and end up creating what we call fashion masterpieces.

Joselyne Umutoniwase has been inspired by our culture and features that make up the beauty we have as Africans. Get inspired by what surrounds you to hit up the most artistic fashion of the time.

From the streets of Kigali, here I am with stylish people to introduce to our esteemed readers. This time, I met Aurika Hategekimana-Auger, a half-Rwandese and half-Canadian girl, with a distinctive sense of style. She’s 17-years-old, soon to turn 18, and her modeling career is just starting. She just finished the high school and, soon, starting her university studies.

From the first sight, it is noticeable that Aurika is really stylish. When we met, she was wearing white trousers, black top and a colourful jacket made in Kitenge, from RWANDA CLOTHING. She describes her style as: “mixed: classy, hippie and African.” She told me that she believes that clothing is defined by one’s personality and roots. Hers is inspired by her Canadian and Rwandese roots. She wants to dress in a way that reflects where she comes from.

She told me she shops from the local shops or on the streets. When abroad, her favorite shopping places are H&M and Forever 21. Her preferred fashion designers are: our very own Joselyne of RWANDA CLOTHING, Yves Saint Laurent and Channel.

On fashion in Rwanda, she said that Rwandese people are very elegant and proud of who they are. She said: “Fashion has to be elevated, and that’s what we are trying. It’s fine to borrow some things from outside, but we have to keep our cultural roots because that’s what makes us unique.”

Aurika is planning to contribute more to the fashion industry in the days to come. I am grateful for she agreed to chat with us, and I am sure we will meet again.

Take a look in the mirror that reveals the whole figure of your body; That either slim, curvy, athletic or plus-size body you are seeing is not a body to hide in dim and shabby clothes just because you were told that it doesn’t look good enough. You can change the story of your fashion by wearing what matches with your body type.

“Sister, tuguhe mariniere?” (the long unfashionable marni dresses). Downtown in Kigali, the street clothes sellers will eventually call an 18 year old young lady for a marni dress just because she looks plus size. This makes young people feel uncomfortable with in their natural figures, which should not be the case for the youth of today. These marni dresses call-outs should be shut for we need to open doors for the fashion possibilities of any type of body by these tips.

If you are plus size, try out a long or below knee straight skirt with dark African prints that trails up your waist to cup it and make it fall back, and tuck in a long stretching and tight long sleeved top. Do not try to wear things that will make you look bigger than you actually are. If you have a dark skin, cooperate with it by putting on rich colors instead of hot colors that goes with light skins.

If you are slim or tiny, an African print tank or cropped top (you can find these at RWANDA CLOTHING), and a pair of tight high waist jeans that will hug your small waist. You can also step up in a printed casual short cocktail dress if you can afford to be body confident. Tight and short outfits are made for you.

To the athletic body, a pair of leggings and a colorful dashiki shirt will make your body match your outfit, as well as adding up a pair of sports shoes.

You want to make your body a fab figure? Become a RWANDA CLOTHING client. You will be also advised about more ideal outfits that fit your body well. Stay confident in your figure.

It is not only in shops of high standards that you find the best of styles in Kigali. So if your pocket is not huge, don’t worry about it; you can still be your best stylish self. Most fashionable people have been stereotyped of being wealthy, but today we want to prove them wrong by spending less and yet wearing the best.

Make a list of what you need. It is very familiar to step in clothes shops or markets without having any idea of what you want. This will make you get tempted to buy clothes you don’t need just because they look good, and later regretting why you wasted your money. Know what you want and make a list of it on a piece of paper and the amount of cash you expect it cost. This will help you to pay less and get the clothes you need the most.

Set an idea of the outfit that can look great on you and buy its components separately. Clothing shops of high standards usually sell outfits with their matching pieces all at once (for example, a blue blouse and its black matching skirt). But it doesn’t feel great when you come across a person that is wearing the same outfit as you on the street, does it? So it is better to design for yourself and make something different. Buy the black tight skirt alone elsewhere, and find a soft and relaxing Kanga top that would match with your other Massai sandal you left home. This outfit would be simple and more affordable, yet making you trendy.

Expensive clothes don’t make a person stylish because style is an art. The way you match or mix colors, the way you choose outfits and the personality you engulf in it are what make up a style. You can spend less, and wear best with RWANDA CLOTHING too, as it designs unique clothes of people’s choices and ideas at an affordable price. It guarantees a great approach on people’s taste as it adds the talent of its tailors. You will not regret being a client of RWANDA CLOTHING.

It is identifiable that you are classy or sassy by what you mostly wear. This is something inevitable; your eyes will choose for you according to your usual mind setting, and it is not a problem at all unless you do not know how to make your identity and style match appealingly. Your style is your personality image, and you can make your personality your own style.

A person has a combination of characters that makes him/her the person he/she is and by that you will buy what is seemingly your best taste. But whenever you try to diverge from what is made for you to what your best friend wear, it will all fall apart. Fashion takes it from just about clothes to being part of a behavior. You take a long classic dress that your bubbly character will not flaunt it the right way, and then you are messing up both your style and your traits. It is an essentiality to know who you are for you to know what to wear. Be stylish but stay yourself. Some people mostly mistake when they think that what looks good on others looks good on them too. Actually knowing yourself is the key to looking good and yet being you.

Make a wardrobe of your own self. Know what you like and what you don’t like as well as what makes you feel more beautiful rather than what makes others beautiful. Don’t hide your personality in clothes that don’t reflect you; Better be proud of who you are to mark a pride in your style. With that self-awareness know what to buy, and what to get to your tailor. Let’s take a good example from a descent, classic, traditional African woman; she‘d better be wearing a rich colored straight below-knee dress, with short or long tight sleeves and African print (Kitenge) portions on the dress edges. The height of the dress would show her decency, her dress sleeves would demonstrate her maturity, the rich colors display her class and the African print claims her tradition. She can also stun her legs in Louboutin shoes for being more feminine. This woman will not only wear for herself but she will also wear for the world because even people around her will know how to approach or talk to her.

RWANDA CLOTHING knows how to flourish your personality and your desires in a style. You can not only buy from their store, but you can also let the tailors know your will. Their skills will stimulate you to a point of coming back the next day for more. Let them know what you want, who you are, and what makes you feel chic and they got the rest in their hands.