Mission &Vision

The Umoja Fashion Show is the largest annual inter-cultural event in Leuven 

 

Four years ago, then-students Diane Birungi (Uganda) and Katrien Rennemeier (Belgium) were brought together by a shared vision of bridging Leuvens cultural gaps. Step by step they launched a project to break social boundaries, establishing a solid multi-cultural partnership. This is how the Umoja Fashion Show was born.

 

Umoja is one of the single-most important expressions in Swahili and translates "togetherness"  - a vision shared by all those involved, and the inspiration behinds the success of the project

 

Today a comprehensive and  proffessional team of students and volunteers make up the organizing committee of the 4th edition of the Umoja Fashion Show, and together we share one mission; to celebrate diversity through fashion.

 

In each edition, the Umoja Fashion Show brought together student-models from across the globe,  professionals from within our community, trainees,  DJ's, entertainers and an array of innovative and fabulous Africa-inspired designers.

Together,  we have made the show an eye opening, heart warming and inspirational experience, time and again.

 

It is with the continued support of our key partners; the Africa Film Festival, the University of Leuven’s Development Cooperation Unit and Pangaea (Leuven’s Intercultural meeting center) that the show has been growing and prospering annually

 

On March 23rd 2014 the 4th editon is taking place at the prestigious University ‘Museum Hall’. 

Each Edition (Photo's : 2011, 2012, 2013) was an adventourous and ambitious project backed by months of preparation. Here you can see our designers from 2013.