Profile: UMUHUZA HIRWA Jeanluc – Real Leather Design Competitions

UMUHUZA HIRWA Jeanluc

Self Employed

Mouzah Design LTD

I’m a leather product designer and entrepreneur from Rwanda, with over five years of experience in footwear and leather manufacturing. I co-founded Mouzah Design Ltd, where I design and produce leather sandals and accessories that are simple, durable, and inspired by modern African style. For me, design is not just about how something looks—it’s about how it feels, how long it lasts, and how people actually use it in their daily lives. I spend a lot of time close to the production process, working directly with materials and understanding what works and what doesn’t. That hands-on experience has shaped my approach to creating products that are both practical and well-crafted. I also had the opportunity to attend a shoemaking training in China, which helped me improve my technical skills and see how global standards can be applied in our local context. It changed the way I think about quality and consistency in design. What drives me most is the idea of building something meaningful through design. I want to create products that reflect who we are, while also opening opportunities for others. I believe African design has a strong voice, and I’m interested in contributing to its growth in a way that is honest, modern, and connected to real people.

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INGABO: Shield Hobo

Category: Accessories

Competitions: Africa

INGABO: Shield Hobo is a contemporary leather shoulder bag inspired by the traditional Rwandan Ingabo shield and Ingoma drum. The project explores how cultural symbols of protection, resilience, communication, and identity can be translated into a modern luxury accessory designed for long-term use. The bag's sculptural silhouette draws from the protective oval form of the shield, while rhythmic seam construction and layered leather panels reference the structural tension and visual rhythm of the drum. Crafted primarily from full-grain cattle leather, the design incorporates recycled cow horn as a functional structural element, reducing reliance on conventional hardware and highlighting the value of natural by-product materials. Designed as a response to fast fashion, INGABO: Shield Hobo prioritizes durability, repairability, and emotional longevity. The timeless form, quality materials, and thoughtful construction encourage long-term ownership and continued use rather than seasonal replacement. By transforming heritage into contemporary design language rather than decorative motifs, the project presents a commercially viable and sustainable accessory that celebrates craftsmanship, individuality, and responsible material use.