In 2015, in the heart of Kigali, Rwanda, where tradition and innovation collide, Moses Turahirwa founded Moshions, a fashion brand that encapsulates the vibrant spirit of Rwandan heritage and contemporary creativity. As a Rwandan designer and trained civil engineer, Turahirwa seamlessly blends traditional motifs with modern design in his creations. His work is characterized by fluid, non-gendered couture pieces that cleverly reference Bantu culture, utilizing premium sustainable textiles, recycled cow horns, and botanical dyes. This unique approach has garnered international acclaim, including the prestigious Designer of the Year award for Africa at the 2022 Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards.
For “Interlude Rwanda,” a six-month cultural initiative running from May 21 to October 25, Turahirwa’s contributions include the captivating Urugendo installation, the ISIBO Bench, and the Portraits of Imandwa masks. Founded by Bonita Mutoni and Cristina Romelli Gervasoni and curated by Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte, this initiative showcases site-specific installations by Rwandan creatives across three unique venues—the King’s Palace in Nyanza, the Rwanda Art Museum in Kigali, and Peace Heaven Island on Twin Lakes—inviting visitors to explore the intricate intersections of Rwandan history, culture, and identity through innovative designs. Turahirwa’s dedication to sustainability and cultural preservation is evident in his artistic installations. His pieces, from the serene Urugendo boat to the resilient ISIBO Bench, highlight the beauty and complexity of Rwandan craftsmanship and creativity. Whitewall spoke with Turahirwa about how the rich cultural heritage of Rwanda continually inspires and shapes his work in fashion and design.
Portrait courtesy of Moses Turahirwa.
WHITEWALL: Can you tell us about the early influences and experiences that led you to pursue a career in fashion design and eventually founding Moshions?
MOSES TURAHIRWA: I was profoundly influenced by the artisanal beauty that surrounded me from a young age. My mother’s exquisite hand embroideries and my uncle’s fastidious tailoring fostered a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. Growing up in such a rich artistic environment, it was almost inevitable that I would be drawn to the world of fashion design. These early experiences not only ignited my passion but also instilled in me a dedication to perfection, ultimately leading to the founding of Moshions.
“I was profoundly influenced by the artisanal beauty that surrounded me from a young age,”
Moses Turahirwa
Photo by Serrah Galos, courtesy of Moshions.
A Diverse Creative Practice Sparks Opportunity for Innovation
WW: Your work spans various art forms. How do you integrate these different disciplines into your fashion designs, and what unique challenges and opportunities does this multidisciplinary approach present?
MT: I approach each art form individually, guided by my current inspirations. My interpretations are quite diverse, allowing me to blend various elements into my fashion designs. I’ve been fortunate to develop the right skills to bring these different ideas to life through garments, which presents unique challenges but also incredible opportunities for innovation and creativity.
WW: Sustainability is a key element of your work. Can you discuss some specific sustainable practices you employ in your atelier and the impact you hope they have on the fashion industry?
MT: While sustainability might seem limiting to some, I view it as an opportunity to consciously connect human craftsmanship with the conceptualization of my ideas. Noteworthy practices in my atelier include extensive collaboration with my community, the use of botanical dyes, repurposing waste materials and fabrics, and ensuring traceability of all our yarns and textiles. We prioritize natural fibers and fabrics, and our inclusive approach to workmanship encompasses a wide range of skills and perspectives. Through these efforts, I aim to inspire the fashion industry to embrace more sustainable and inclusive practices.
“While sustainability might seem limiting to some, I view it as an opportunity to consciously connect human craftsmanship with the conceptualization of my ideas,”
Moses Turahirwa
Photo by Serrah Galos, courtesy of Moshions.
Preserving and Celebrating Rwandan Culture with a Broad Audience
WW: How do you incorporate traditional Rwandan cultural motifs into your contemporary designs, and why is it important for you to preserve and promote these elements in your work?
MT: I incorporate traditional Rwandan cultural motifs through prints, embroideries, and fabric weaving. These elements are vital as they narrate my native story and vividly illustrate my roots. Preserving and promoting these cultural aspects in my work allows me to honor and celebrate my heritage while sharing its beauty and significance with a broader audience.
WW: What motivated you to participate in “Interlude Rwanda,” and how does this exhibition align with your personal and professional goals?
MT: The motivation was straightforward, as the opportunity came to us here at home. This exhibition serves as another platform to showcase the work we have been crafting alongside other talented creatives from Rwanda.
The ISIBO bench by Moses Turahirwa, photo by Chris Shwagga, Courtesy of Rwanda Interlude.
WW: The ISIBO Bench is a striking example of Rwandan craftsmanship. Can you share the story behind this piece and how it represents the resilience and creativity of the local artisans?
MT: The ISIBO Bench represents resilience for both myself and the community that brought it to life. I drew inspiration from the hard-working men of Kibungo, whose dedication to the patient craft of stone carving has been honed over many years. This bench not only highlights their meticulous craftsmanship but also symbolizes the powerful conversations and unity among these men as they collaborate to create remarkable handmade art.
“I drew inspiration from the hard-working men of Kibungo, whose dedication to the patient craft of stone carving has been honed over many years,”
Moses Turahirwa
WW: Urugendo is a powerful installation set on Twin Lakes. What inspired this piece, and how do you hope visitors will engage with and interpret its symbolism and design?
MT: Urugendo is a journey of self-discovery. It is meant to inspire introspection and a deeper understanding of one’s inner self.
“Urugendo” by Moses Turahirwa, photo by Chris Shwagga, Courtesy of Rwanda Interlude.
WW: “Interlude Rwanda” aims to ignite a dialogue about Rwanda’s cultural heritage and its future. What are your hopes for the future of Rwandan art and design, and how do you see your role in shaping this future?
MT: I advocate for the concept of future heritage. The more creative memories we forge today, the stronger and more vibrant Rwanda’s creative scene will be in the future. My role in this is embodied by my very existence.
“The more creative memories we forge today, the stronger and more vibrant Rwanda’s creative scene will be in the future,”
Moses Turahirwa
WW: What are you working on right now, and what can we expect from your next collection?
MT: Currently, I am immersed in creating Moshions’ inaugural Safari collection. This collection is a culmination of my journey, tracing the path from my origins to my present, and it marks the end of a remarkable decade for my brand. You can expect to see my full essence reflected in every detail.
