Local Fashion Designers, Are You Ready? Kwita Izina 2023

Get ready to experience one of the world’s most important celebrations of nature and meet Rwanda’s newborn baby gorillas.

PHOTO: Kwita Izina 2022- Made by Rwanda Clothing 2022

Kwita Izina is modelled off a centuries old tradition in which Rwandans name their children in the presence of family and friends. In 2005, Rwanda began officially naming mountain gorillas in what has become a global celebration of nature. By giving a name to these majestic animals, the government of Rwanda says that Rwandans give them the value they undoubtedly deserve. The event of the Kwitza Izina brings together both local and international audiences and participants such as research partners, vets, dedicated conservationists, rangers, and trackers who protect the gorillas. The ceremony is an opportunity for local fashion designers to meet new clients and showcase their products.

305198288 5468529763227269 5887277761656568659 n PHOTO: Made by Rwanda Clothing 2022

" As of now, I don't have any information from the RDB-Rwanda Development Board about side events like mini fashion shows or exhibitions. I am still waiting like others, Let me say! Touch of Rwanda Fashion Designs is always open and we have good offers for the guests. To me Kwita Izina is our ceremony" said Shema Charlly fashion designer, CEO & Founder of Touch Rwanda fashion design

SHEMA PHOTO: Shema Charlly fashion designer, CEO & Founder of Touch Rwanda Fashion Design

MADE BY SHEMA PHOTO: Made by Touch of Rwanda Fashion Designs

According to Patrick Muhire fashion designer and CEO, Founder of Inkanda House, the institutions in charge of arts and creatives which includes the fashion designers' associations should have a plan before this magnificent event of Kwita Izina to give time for fashion designers to create something unique and quality.

" Something is missing in communication between either among us fashion designers or some institutions. Some of us just see events happening and we have no idea who to ask or who is behind the communications. For example, during the CHOGM2022 we paid 300,000 Rwf, got tables, and were taken to BK Arena for an exhibition. Guess what! we did not even see a single bus bringing guests to our stand in the exhibitions" said Muhire

patrick muhire wari warihebeye ibijyanye no kumurika imideli yahisemo kubikora aho gukora ibijyanye n ibyo yari asanzwe yarize 2 24983 PHOTO: Patrick Muhire fashion designer and CEO, Founder of Inkanda House

Muhire added that there is still an unequal gap in sharing available opportunities among local fashion designers, especially during these big events.

" This is a big event that could benefit both fashion designers, but some don't get the opportunities. I hope that the people in charge of these side events will rethink how to involve all of the designers which will create good competition among designers" added Muhire.

EmEe45fXYAAZ7IF PHOTO: Made by Inkanda House

Besides fashion designers who hope to benefit from the Kwita Izina ceremony and its side events, runway models are also ready to work with designers. RIFI Fashion Agency is a youth forum founded by Ri Kon Yocan to help the young generation and promote their modeling talent at a high (international) level through teaching, guiding, and training them towards integrity and good cultural behavior.

" I have more than 100 runway models and a dance crew. I have been doing small events and my models participated in more than 5 known Rwandan music videos. My models are in both categories. I focus on runway models and commercial models" said Ri Kon Yocan CEO and founder of the RIFI Fashion Agency

rifi4 PHOTO: Ri Kon Yocan CEO & Founder of the RIFI Fashion Agency the winner of Best Agency 2023

rifi2 PHOTO: RIFI Models on the runway at the KIMFEST 2023

Mr. Ri Kon Yocan added that it has been hard for runway models to get jobs related to their careers because the covid-19 pandemic changed the scene of fashion shows in Rwanda.

" There is something we can do in Kwita Izina Ceremony if the RDB gives me a chance. We can offer a very high protocol service. Not only that we can do things like logistics where we can help in setting up the venue, decoration, and many more. No jobs we are ready to do much more than normal " added Ri Kon Yocan

Made in Rwanda program, launched in 2015, was initially a "campaign" aimed at showcasing Rwandan products, to reduce the importation of goods that could be produced locally, hence reducing the country’s trade deficit. In 2021, Mr. Yves Bernard Ningabire particularly cited a report by the National Institute of Statistics showing that in September 2021 the trade deficit stood at US $ 223 million compared to US $ 139 million in September 2020, adding that the Made in Rwanda program can still play an important role in reducing this gap. The 19th Kwita Izina will be held on Friday, 1 September 2023, and will celebrate the country’s commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism.

IMG 20230810 WA0010 1024x614 PHOTO: Rwanda’s Annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony- Kwita Izina to be held on 1 September in Kinigi