From childhood memories of watching my mother, aunties and grandma gracefully wrap themselves in Imvutano to proudly wearing it now on special occasions "imvutano" holds more than just culture. It carries stories of us burundian women and that's what inspired " Imvutano Project " a celebration of burundian women, their strength, and the timeless beauty they pass down through our culture attire one story at a time.
What is Imvutano?
Imvutano is a traditional Burundian wrap worn by women for different ceremonies, cultural festivals, weddings and more. The garment reflects grace, culture pride and identity. But it's not just worn for fashion it's worn with purpose and a story.
Whether it's a wedding of a loved one, a special celebration in the family or a special event. Imvutano is how we show where we come from and who we stand for as burundian women.
Traditionally, imvutano was worn differently depending on age. For Young girls their mothers & elders would wrap it on them as shown in the image, while older women above 60 wore it differently as shown below. Over time, however, the styles have evolved. Today, both young adults and older women wear it in a similar fashion, with older women wrapping it on the a different side of the waist and wearing more modesty tops.
Imvutano is a gift & a connection to our roots. It's what grandmothers and mothers gifted daughters and vice versa. It's what aunties helped us wrap before a big event.
Passed down across generations, it's a quiet but powerful symbol of womanhood, unity, and cultural pride.
Where and why we wear imvutano?
At weddings, to honor love and tradition
During cultural ceremonies to celebrate our joy & culture
On national holidays, to show pride in our identity
At religious events, to express respect and elegance
On any different occasion to honor the women who wore it before us & to keep on with the legacy of our traditional clothes
Project manager : Burundi on the map
Creative director & stylist: @farrah_burundaise
Photographer: @guy_gael_gf
Narrator: @kwa.miganda
Inanga instrument player: @epi_dor_inananga
Sound mastering: K da Great
Location: @izuba.hub
Imvutano: @sandrashop1.50
Accessories: @ina_shaza
Set Decorator: @sudievents
Hair Stylist: @afrogardenhairsalon
Make Up Artist: @peace_kayan
MODELS: kelly ngaruko Celia kimana @kim.nana06 @bujacitytourist @chelsea_tuyishime @erica_carolle
@lilyyy.sabi @manirambonaornella
@becky_african_girl @akanakimanaclairia