The University of Westminster has hosted Rwanda on Regent Street, a landmark fashion exhibition celebrating Rwanda's rapidly growing fashion industry and marking the culmination of the University’s first ever Rwanda Fashion Entrepreneurship Programme.
For the first time, a collective of eight leading Rwandan independent fashion brands showcased their work together in the University’s iconic Regent Street Campus. Built in Kigali, Rwanda, each brand represents an established commercial enterprise with its own showroom, production team, client base and distinctive creative identity, ready to enter the international market.
The Rwanda on Regent Street window display and the accompanying exhibition in The Hideaway gave visitors the opportunity to discover contemporary Rwandan fashion, meet the founders behind the brands and learn more about their entrepreneurial journeys. Visitors gained insight into the inspirations behind the designers' creations, their design processes, cultural influences and their pathways into the fashion industry. The eight featured designers were Asterie Hitimana (TwinklybyAsty), Joselyne Umutoniwase (Rwanda Clothing), Matthew Rugamba (House of Tayo), Maurice Niyigena (Matheo Studio), Patrick Muhire (Inkanda), Sonia Mugabo (SM), Uwase Furaha (DoBe Couture) and Yves Nshimiyimana (Isheja Vogue).
The event was opened on 2 July by Westminster alumna Her Excellency Alison Thorpe, British High Commissioner to Rwanda, with University of Westminster Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Bonfield, His Excellency Busingye Johnston, the Rwanda High Commissioner to the UK, and Simon Rickman, Regional Commercial Manager UK - Europe - North America from RwandAir, the official airline sponsor.
Traditional Rwandan dancing was provided by Akeza, African inspired music from DJ Sweaz and traditional cuisine from Exceline. The exhibition also showcased the collaborative work of University of Westminster students and alumna, who partnered with the fashion entrepreneurs as well as creative artisans from Inzira Creative Partners in Rwanda, and renowned photographer Chris Schwagga, to co-create this international exhibition. Westminster alumni were also in action, with alumna Enesia Guri presenting a display reflecting the strong cultural and creative connections between the UK and Rwanda, and Elijah McDonnell producing a number of short films.
Video by Elijah McDonnell
British fashion designer Dame Mary Martin DSTG collaborated with Rwandan coffee partner Kawah to create a striking garment that celebrated the women coffee farmers of Rwanda, highlighting their contribution to one of the country's most important industries while weaving together themes of empowerment, sustainability and cultural heritage.
Rwanda on Regent Street marks the culmination of the Rwanda Fashion Entrepreneurship Programme, an initiative designed to support export-ready Rwandan fashion entrepreneurs by increasing their international visibility and connecting them with industry professionals, potential investors and global audiences in London.
Denise Francis-Brown, Lecturer in Visual Merchandising and Styling from Westminster School of Arts and the programme’s exhibition director, said: “It was great to be a part of the Rwanda on Regent Street project as it integrated teaching, research and practice-based learning which provided real-world experience for our students and alumni. It actively involved participants from diverse backgrounds in project delivery and creative practice and it was amazing to see everything come together in such a vibrant and exciting way."
Jordan Scammell, Head of Development and Fundraising, added: "This exhibition simply would not have been possible without the generosity of our funders, sponsors and partners, whose investment was matched by the University's own commitment of people, expertise and resources across our incredible estate. Together, we have demonstrated what can be achieved when organisations share a common ambition to create opportunities, build global partnerships and invest in the next generation of creative entrepreneurs. A huge thanks to everyone who got behind us.”
His Excellency Busingye Johnston. Photo credit Matthew Kinani
The programme has been delivered in partnership with the British High Commission Kigali, with support from the Rwanda High Commission in the UK, Inzira Creative Partners, Rwanda Business UK and the British Council. It was also supported by RwandAir as the official airline sponsor, International Student House as the accommodation partner, and the University of Westminster Students’ Union as the exhibition venue partner.
The Rwanda Fashion Entrepreneurs Programme directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 10: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 17: Partnership for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
To find out how you or your organisation can support in the future global entrepreneurs in a similar way, contact the Fundraising Team.
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Photo credit Elijah McDonnell
