HIV Unwrapped: Justice in Every Stitch

At the intersection of science, art, and activism, HIV Unwrapped is a bold new exhibit reimagining the lab coat as a symbol of resistance, resilience, and representation.

HIV Unwrapped reveals not only the fabric of HIV science, but the human stories stitched within.

Among the collaborations launched today at the 13th IAS Conference on HIV Science in Kigali is a garment created by Kigali-based fashion design student, Dolice Niyomukiza, in partnership with HIV Justice Network’s Executive Director, Edwin Bernard.

Working remotely through online meetings and WhatsApp messages, Dolice and Edwin forged a creative partnership grounded in storytelling, symbolism, and shared commitment.

Dolice’s design, inspired by the ongoing fight for HIV justice, incorporates visual elements representing both the scales of justice and the weight of stigma. 

“My design was inspired by the idea that having HIV is not a crime,” Dolice explains. “My goal was to fight stigma and make people feel strong, loved, and safe.”

Her sketches evolved into a garment that embodies both struggle and strength – a powerful tribute to those unjustly criminalised because of their HIV status.

“Dolice listened deeply,” said Edwin. “She translated complex legal and social issues into fabric, texture and form. Her design doesn’t just speak – it demands to be heard.”

Dolice is one of 12 students from Rwanda Polytechnic – Kigali College (IPRC-Kigali) whose designs feature in the exhibition, alongside peers from London’s Central St Martins and Melbourne’s Royal Institute of Technology.

Together, their work weaves a global narrative of creativity and courage, shaped by cross-continental collaboration.

Today’s launch brought many of these young designers together to showcase their work and share their stories.

The event was hosted by Karl Schmid, HIV-positive broadcaster and host of +LIFE, with welcoming remarks from Beatriz Grinsztejn, President of the International AIDS Society.

Additional speakers included Alexis Apostolellis, CEO of ASHM; Dr. Alice Ikuzwe, Deputy Principal of Academics and Training at IPRC-Kigali; and Ophelia Haanyama, a woman living with HIV from Zambia who migrated to Sweden in 1991.