Rwandan fashion steps onto Regent Street
Eight Rwandan designers brought Kigali’s creative energy to central London on 3 July 2026 during Rwanda on Regent Street, the first collective showcase of its kind on the famous shopping street. Held at The Hideaway at the University of Westminster’s Regent Street Campus, the event concluded an intensive training programme at the university’s Fashion School.
Fashion built for global markets
Visitors browsed collections, met the designers and discussed business opportunities. Traditional Rwandan Kawah coffee, live music by London-based Rwandan artists and traditional dance added flavour, rhythm and movement to the exhibition.
The event brought Kigali’s sharpest creative energy directly into dialogue with London’s global fashion ecosystem. The featured collective included:
- Matthew Rugamba (House of Tayo)
- Sonia Mugabo (SM)
- Joselyn Umutoniwase (Rwanda Clothing)
- Patrick Inkanda (Inkanda House)
- Asterie Hitimana (TwinklebyAsty)
- Uwase Liliane / Furaha (DoBe Couture)
- Maurice Niyigena (Matheo Studio)
- Yves Nshimiyimana (Isheja Vogue)
Building international connections
The British Council, Rwanda High Commission in London, Rwanda Business UK, University of Westminster and RwandAir backed the initiative.
By connecting Rwandan designers with London’s fashion network, the event presented a professional, design-led industry to potential buyers, investors and retail partners. The showcase could open further doors for Rwandan fashion in international markets.
