A spectrum of vivid colors is splashed across Matthew Rugamba's bow ties. No, this isn't a mistake -- drawing inspiration from his heritage, the Rwandan designer uses bold colors and stylish textiles from his homeland to produce chic accessories favored internationally.
Are you an "Afro-dandy?" —
A spectrum of vivid colors is splashed across Matthew Rugamba's bow ties. No, this isn't a mistake -- drawing inspiration from his heritage, the Rwandan designer uses bold colors and stylish textiles from his homeland to produce chic accessories favored internationally.
Courtesy House of Tayo
In recent years, the look of the "dandy" has seen a spike in popularity in various part of the continent. Elegant chaps looking to turn their wardrobes into a statement on style have turned to the popular subculture of sharp lines and crisp suits.
Fusing styles —
In recent years, the look of the "dandy" has seen a spike in popularity in various part of the continent. Elegant chaps looking to turn their wardrobes into a statement on style have turned to the popular subculture of sharp lines and crisp suits.
Courtesy House of Tayo
Rugamba's House of Tayo is adding a local flavor to the style. The label's collections include some extremely niche products like bow ties, pocket squares, infinite scarves and iPad cases. "I wanted to have accessories that show a bit of your personality and individuality," says Rugamba. "Bow ties make a statement."<br />
Bold bow ties —
Rugamba's House of Tayo is adding a local flavor to the style. The label's collections include some extremely niche products like bow ties, pocket squares, infinite scarves and iPad cases. "I wanted to have accessories that show a bit of your personality and individuality," says Rugamba. "Bow ties make a statement."
The young entrepreneur comes across as relaxed, jovial millennial but there's a clear cut ambition that radiates from him as he discusses the label. "Going into a field where I have no experience, you learn to triple check things. I've had to learn how to adapt, learn to think on my feet, learn how to be comfortable with making mistakes," says Rugamba, pictured. "It happens but you have to minimize them. [Also] I had to come to terms with my weaknesses and find other people that complement my strengths. It's been a steep learning curve but I think every day that goes by, I'm becoming better at it."
Rugamba the perfectionist —
The young entrepreneur comes across as relaxed, jovial millennial but there's a clear cut ambition that radiates from him as he discusses the label. "Going into a field where I have no experience, you learn to triple check things. I've had to learn how to adapt, learn to think on my feet, learn how to be comfortable with making mistakes," says Rugamba, pictured. "It happens but you have to minimize them. [Also] I had to come to terms with my weaknesses and find other people that complement my strengths. It's been a steep learning curve but I think every day that goes by, I'm becoming better at it."
Courtesy House of Tayo
In August 2011, Rugamba had completed his second year of university in Portland and was enjoying his summer break while working a temporary holiday job. But then came a light bulb moment. "I decided you know what, instead of using the money I made to buy books, I know I should have, sorry mum, I decided I wanted to do something that was longer lasting."
'Sorry mum!' —
In August 2011, Rugamba had completed his second year of university in Portland and was enjoying his summer break while working a temporary holiday job. But then came a light bulb moment. "I decided you know what, instead of using the money I made to buy books, I know I should have, sorry mum, I decided I wanted to do something that was longer lasting."
Courtesy House of Tayo
"I believe that by creating something that connects with people on a more emotional level or good aesthetics, then you have people thinking 'Oh wow, you got that from Rwanda? I need to check out more about or read more into the country.' That was my thinking," he explains.
Altering perceptions —
"I believe that by creating something that connects with people on a more emotional level or good aesthetics, then you have people thinking 'Oh wow, you got that from Rwanda? I need to check out more about or read more into the country.' That was my thinking," he explains.
Courtesy House of Tayo
Unlike some of his fellow designers, Rugamba isn't phased by big names taking inspiration from the continent. He says the spotlight has made it better for the industry. "<strong>I</strong>t has shifted attention to the continent. Now it's the responsibility of local designers to elevate it to the next level, "he says. "To make sure it's not a fad."
Authentic Africa —
Unlike some of his fellow designers, Rugamba isn't phased by big names taking inspiration from the continent. He says the spotlight has made it better for the industry. "It has shifted attention to the continent. Now it's the responsibility of local designers to elevate it to the next level, "he says. "To make sure it's not a fad."
Rugamba says the authenticity of his products make them popular with the sartorially chic. "And people really believe they are following the journey as well. Some people wouldn't wear my products but they understand the journey, the story, why I'm doing it. There's some part of the brand that everyone can relate to and whether its the challenges of entrepreneurship, maybe the just like the products or maybe they've grown up away from home, away for Africa and they understand the troubles we are trying to communicate with people about their perceptions of Africa."
The journey from seamstress to shop —
Rugamba says the authenticity of his products make them popular with the sartorially chic. "And people really believe they are following the journey as well. Some people wouldn't wear my products but they understand the journey, the story, why I'm doing it. There's some part of the brand that everyone can relate to and whether its the challenges of entrepreneurship, maybe the just like the products or maybe they've grown up away from home, away for Africa and they understand the troubles we are trying to communicate with people about their perceptions of Africa."
Courtesy House of Tayo
Next up for Rugamba: an app for Android. The young designer plans to release a new special line of bow ties that will come with QR codes. Once these codes are scanned, customers will be able to see videos of how the fashion pieces were created.
Merging tech with style —
Next up for Rugamba: an app for Android. The young designer plans to release a new special line of bow ties that will come with QR codes. Once these codes are scanned, customers will be able to see videos of how the fashion pieces were created.
Courtesy House of Tayo
He says: "For me that's really amazing that half way across the world my customers would be able to see the working conditions, be able to almost have a personal connection with both the brand and the person that made the product. I think it will be really cool."
Beyond borders —
He says: "For me that's really amazing that half way across the world my customers would be able to see the working conditions, be able to almost have a personal connection with both the brand and the person that made the product. I think it will be really cool."
Courtesy House of Tayo