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| Suhaa Schmitz, Propriator of Ikanzu Designs. (Photo, Timothy K) |
brand and placed it at the helm of the budding Rwanda Fashion scene. At 31
years, she is a designer and fashion entrepreneur who passionately talks about
creativity and can’t wait for a time when the ‘Made in Rwanda’ brand will become
popular on the regional and international markets.
Service Mag about her goals, vision and prospects in the Rwanda Fashion
Industry.
about a year and a half ago. Before that I run a small workshop in Gikondo for
two years where I experimented with my clothing. I currently operate here at
Ikanzu, Kimihurura, where I have a workshop
and shop which we plan to convert into a Fashion Hub, to sell clothing and
accessories from several local designers around Kigali.
moved to Rwanda in 2005 with my husband, I didn’t want to do office work and I
was looking for something that would keep me outside the office busy creating
stuff. Before this I was in the shipping business doing clearing and forwarding
in Antwerp, Belgium.
Embassy and I did this because I had not heard of any fashion designers in
Rwanda at that time. It was not until last year, at the Kigali Fashion Week
that I met most of the Kigali local designers. Comparing local fashion shows to
the ones I’ve participated in—in Kenya, Tanzania and Belgium—we are still very
far. However, I’ve seen a lot of improvement and I especially look forward to the
upcoming Kigali Fashion Week scheduled for November 8th, 2013.
Designers in Rwanda?
working with Kitenge, you will find that all the designers are using the same fabric.
Most of the tailors are trained in classic fashion and it becomes a challenge
to teach them modern design and fashion. I get my fabric mostly from Rwanda and
try to use it in a different way so that it stands out.
fashion business?
call it, ‘the richer community’ in Kigali who can afford to buy modern clothing
will be hesitant to wear common designs because they want to stand out. So if
you have local fabric they will be a bit hesitant, but if you do import fabric
that is not available here, they will queue up to buy it. However, if we had a
bit more choice in fabric available to make ready-t0-wear clothes, I believe a
lot will change as we will be able to keep up with the fashion trends.
base?
mostly been through word-of-mouth, the Kigali Fashion Week, my website:
ikanzu.com and our Facebook Page.
launching my new line; Suhaa Schmitz ‘Black Label’ or maybe the ‘Black Dresses’
that will feature imported fabric. For the past years, I’ve been using Kitenge,
Kikoi, Batik, Kanga, a lot of local fabric; it will be different this time
round. I also plan on being the local distributor for Vlisco from Holland.
 |
| Schmitz’s designs incorporate internationally known Swarovsky Elements |
Being able to make unique leather
crafts and accessories that stand out. I use Swarovski Elements (Crystals) from
Australia; I’m the only designer in Kigali and East Africa who’s been branded
by Swarovski, an internationally renowned brand. I use their crystals on my
earrings and bracelets to make them unique. I also use Miyuki pearls and Tila
beads from Japan. Regionally, I’m also
probably the only designer using Tilapia fish leather from Uganda to make
accessories as it’s mostly exported to Italy. I also use Kazuri ceramic beads
from Kenya and all my leather is locally made in Rwanda.
products besides, coffee or tea exported internationally. If we could have
clothing, accessories and other items from Rwanda, marked on the international
market, it would make me proud.
is one of those countries where people daily strive to get somewhere better and
this makes Rwanda stand out in East Africa. It makes me want to stay here
longer.
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CLOSE…
Happiest: “…when people are happy.”
Inspired
most: “…by Rwandan
people.”
What
makes you sad:
“Terrorists… I’m still devastated by what happened at Westgate in Kenya.”
Favorite
hangout spot: “…New
Papyrus.”
Favorite
drink/ dish: “…Sakae
for Japanese or Khana Khazana for Indian food and Virunga Mist is my favorite
drink.”
Most
coveted accessory:
“…shoes.”
Your
Dream Car: “… Range
Rover Evoque. It’s currently displayed at Rwanda Motors. It’s what makes me
work harder.”
If
you had one wish, which influential person would you like to meet: “…The First Lady of Rwanda, Her
Excellency Jeannette Kagame, because she has inspired my work and life.”
Are
you dating, single or married:
“… I’ve been married for six years and have a five-year-old son.”