KUMIZI — Back to my root collection
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 FASHION DESIGN / Prêt-à-porter
Company Name:Kezem
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Emmanuel Niyonsenga – Creative Director & Lead Designer
Design Team / Other designer(s):Emmanuel Niyonsenga
Other Contributor(s):Pattern makers, embroidery, weaving artisans and studio assistants based in Kigali
Manufacturer Name:Kezem Studio
Distributors Name:Direct to client distribution through the brand studio
Textile / Others Supplier:Local and international textile suppliers combined with handcrafted textile development in house
Client Name:Self initiated design project
Photo Credit:Photography by Munezero Jean Chretien
Project Location:Kigali - Rwanda
Design Status:Commercialized
Website: View
Video URL:View
Project Description:
Kumizi, means root in kinyarwanda. Explores the connection between identity, heritage and contemporary fashion. The collection draws inspiration from traditional Rwandan and African garments, including fringed ceremonial attire, as well as craft traditions such as beading, printing, and carpet weaving. The project translates these ancestral references into modern silhouettes for both men and women. Handmade textile surfaces are created by assembling small fabric fringes and weaving them into layered structures that echo traditional craft techniques. These textured elements are integrated with embroidery and root-inspired motifs to express the symbolic relationship between people and their origins. The collection reflects a dialogue between tradition and contemporary design, demonstrating how cultural heritage can inspire new textile expressions within modern African fashion.
Kumizi, means root in kinyarwanda. Explores the connection between identity, heritage and contemporary fashion. The collection draws inspiration from traditional Rwandan and African garments, including fringed ceremonial attire, as well as craft traditions such as beading, printing, and carpet weaving. The project translates these ancestral references into modern silhouettes for both men and women. Handmade textile surfaces are created by assembling small fabric fringes and weaving them into layered structures that echo traditional craft techniques. These textured elements are integrated with embroidery and root-inspired motifs to express the symbolic relationship between people and their origins. The collection reflects a dialogue between tradition and contemporary design, demonstrating how cultural heritage can inspire new textile expressions within modern African fashion.
Project Innovation / Specification:
The collection explores textile innovation through craft-based experimentation and the reinterpretation of traditional African techniques. Instead of relying solely on conventional fabrics, new surfaces are created by assembling small fabric fringes into woven structures inspired by Rwandan traditional weaving techniques used in Umusambi (traditional carpet making). This process transforms fabric fragments into dimensional textile compositions that move with the garment and create distinctive textures. Screen printing is applied onto the fabrics using traditional motifs such as horns and root-inspired symbols. These motifs are not only decorative but also serve as visual narratives that reference cultural heritage and ancestral identity. Beading and embroidery are also incorporated to add depth and handcrafted detail. By combining woven fabric structures, printed symbolism and artisanal embellishment, the project proposes a contemporary approach to integrating traditional craftsmanship within modern fashion design.
The collection explores textile innovation through craft-based experimentation and the reinterpretation of traditional African techniques. Instead of relying solely on conventional fabrics, new surfaces are created by assembling small fabric fringes into woven structures inspired by Rwandan traditional weaving techniques used in Umusambi (traditional carpet making). This process transforms fabric fragments into dimensional textile compositions that move with the garment and create distinctive textures. Screen printing is applied onto the fabrics using traditional motifs such as horns and root-inspired symbols. These motifs are not only decorative but also serve as visual narratives that reference cultural heritage and ancestral identity. Beading and embroidery are also incorporated to add depth and handcrafted detail. By combining woven fabric structures, printed symbolism and artisanal embellishment, the project proposes a contemporary approach to integrating traditional craftsmanship within modern fashion design.
Project Sustainability Approach:
The project integrates sustainability through craft, material awareness and small-scale production methods. Textile surfaces are developed using assembled fabric elements, allowing leftover materials to be reused and reducing textile waste. Handcrafted construction encourages slower production processes and supports skilled artisans involved in embroidery and textile manipulation. By prioritizing quality and craftsmanship, the garments are designed to have lasting cultural and emotional value rather than short-term consumption. The reinterpretation of traditional craft knowledge also contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage while promoting responsible and thoughtful fashion design.
The project integrates sustainability through craft, material awareness and small-scale production methods. Textile surfaces are developed using assembled fabric elements, allowing leftover materials to be reused and reducing textile waste. Handcrafted construction encourages slower production processes and supports skilled artisans involved in embroidery and textile manipulation. By prioritizing quality and craftsmanship, the garments are designed to have lasting cultural and emotional value rather than short-term consumption. The reinterpretation of traditional craft knowledge also contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage while promoting responsible and thoughtful fashion design.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Project:
The collection highlights the role of African heritage as a source of innovation in contemporary fashion. By translating traditional Rwandan craft references into modern garments for both men and women, the project contributes to the global visibility of African design perspectives. The development process encourages collaboration with local artisans and supports the continuation of traditional skills such as embroidery and handcrafted textile construction. It also demonstrates how cultural narratives and craft traditions can inspire new forms of design expression within the growing African fashion industry.
The collection highlights the role of African heritage as a source of innovation in contemporary fashion. By translating traditional Rwandan craft references into modern garments for both men and women, the project contributes to the global visibility of African design perspectives. The development process encourages collaboration with local artisans and supports the continuation of traditional skills such as embroidery and handcrafted textile construction. It also demonstrates how cultural narratives and craft traditions can inspire new forms of design expression within the growing African fashion industry.
Company Name:Kezem
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Emmanuel Niyonsenga – Creative Director & Lead Designer
