In a bid to mark the 25th anniversary of Rwanda’s Liberation Day in Belgium, Moshions has dressed Manneken-Pis in a culturally inspired costume known as Umushanana in Kinyarwanda language.
The idea powered by the Embassy of Rwanda in Belgium and the
City of Brussels, has enabled the landmark statue to wear a Rwandan attire for
the second time in history since its establishment in 1618.
Manneken-Pis looked majestic in its niche with an ensemble
made up of Igisingo, a beaded black and white beads royal crown; umwitero, a
fashion statement that dates back to the 1920s and remains an accessory for
ceremonial looks; inkindi, an attire that male traditional dancers, known as
intore, wear for cultural performances.
The outfit- with its custom prints and vivid colors, is from
the brand’s latest collection entitled ‘Inkingi’.
Amandin Rugira, a Rwandan Ambassador to Belgium, appreciated the spirit of Made in Rwanda and recognized the long-standing bilateral friendship.
“On the 3rd of May 1949, King Mutara III Rudahigwa gifted Manneken-Pis a costume. 70 years later, the reintroduction of this outfit signifies the cordial relationship between Belgium and Rwanda,” said Ambassador Rugira, adding that the costume contributes to a national goal, referring to Made in Rwanda policy, aiming to promote local textile and fashion industries and cutback imports of second-hand clothing.
Moses Turahirwa, the Creative Director of Moshions, appreciated
an exciting recognition to Rwanda’s creative industry.
“I am very proud to see Rwanda being represented on this important day. Umushanana is a representation of our golden identity. Despite our tragic history, our culture dawned with a promising future filled with creatives and dreamers who now reach a global scene.”
This experience is yet another honor for Rwanda’s leading
fashion brand. Dressing Manneken-Pis comes as another notable accomplishment,
after the world-famous Sophia the Robot outfitted in Umushanana during
Transform Africa 2019, made by Moshions. The brand continues to take Rwanda’s
vibrant identity to the world.
About Moshions
Moshions; is one of Rwanda’s leading fashion houses- established in 2015, and is an elegant culturally inspired brand, sought after by insightful African and global customers looking for a distinctive world-class taste.
About Manneken-Pis
Manneken-Pis; was, at first, a fountain that played an essential role in the former distribution of drinking water since the 15th century. The system was well-known in all countries across Europe. In the end of the 17th century, the statue became more and more important in the city life. It was also a survivor of the bombardment of Brussels in 1695. Manneken-Pis became a precious good and enjoys a ceaselessly growing glory and gradually became an image and symbol of the Brussels folklore, the joy of the inhabitants and their capacity of self-mockery.
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