Indo-Rwanda Film and Cultural Forum Makes Bold Cultural Statement at 9th Global Fashion and Design

Indo-Rwanda Film and Cultural Forum Makes Bold Cultural Statement at 9th Global Fashion and Design Week


Noida, India – The Indo-Rwanda Film and Cultural Forum, in association with the Embassy of Rwanda in India, made a powerful and culturally rich contribution to the 9th Global Fashion and Design Week (GFDW) Noida 2025, held at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City. Recognized as the world’s largest fashion week ever hosted by an academic institution, GFDW has set a new international benchmark for excellence, innovation, and cultural unity in the global fashion industry.

Organized under the esteemed leadership of the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI) Fashion Committee, with strong support from the AAFT School of Fashion and Design and the AAFT School of Interior Designing, the 2025 edition of the festival was a stunning display of global talent. With participation from over 200 top designers, 550 original designer garments, and 125 unique interior design installations, the event served as a vibrant confluence of tradition, modernity, and international creativity.

Spanning 9 spectacular shows, 90 fashion rounds, 6 curated exhibitions, and 9 international food experiences, GFDW 2025 transported attendees through a rich tapestry of global cultures. Fashion films, live broadcasts on MSTV and Radio Noida, and coverage by more than 600 media outlets worldwide amplified the festival’s reach, transforming Marwah Studios into a global cultural epicenter.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios and Chair of the Indo-Rwanda Film and Cultural Forum, addressed the gathering with conviction, stating, “Fashion is a dynamic force that bridges continents and connects communities. Through initiatives like the Indo-Rwanda Forum, we bring the cultural heartbeat of nations to the global stage. It is not just fashion—it is diplomacy through design, heritage through creativity.“

As a major cultural partner, the Indo-Rwanda Film and Cultural Forum once again made its mark on the international runway. The spotlight shone on a bold and evocative fashion collection inspired by Rwanda’s iconic Imigongo art—a traditional form known for its distinctive geometric patterns and natural materials.

Titled “Bold Origins” and presented by designer Junaid Panwar on behalf of designer Joyeeta Roy, the collection fused Rwanda’s artistic legacy with contemporary fashion sensibilities. Earthy textures, hand-crafted jewelry, and structured silhouettes merged traditional African aesthetics with urban design language. Each piece stood as a celebration of cultural identity, innovation, and artisanal pride—transforming heritage into a wearable expression of strength and style.

The participation of the Indo-Rwanda Forum not only brought Rwanda’s cultural story to the forefront but also reinforced the importance of intercultural collaboration and creative diplomacy. It highlighted fashion as a powerful medium for storytelling, transformation, and global unity.

With its unwavering commitment to showcasing world cultures, GFDW 2025 continues to be a global platform where fashion speaks louder than words—and where nations, like Rwanda, shine in all their elegance and essence.