Laduma Ngxokolo has been making international waves for a while, since launching his knitwear brand, MAXHOSA by LADUMA in 2010. His collections have graced runways all over the world, including AFI Mercedes Benz Fashion Week – JoBurg in August.
Inspired by Xhosa beadwork distinctive patterns and colours, I was lucky enough to see his collection first hand at Africa Utopia 2016. As part of the team who created the first official magazine for the annual festival, I was in the photographers’ pit when the #AfricaSquad Fashion Show kicked off! The show’s creative director, Agnes Cazin, created a collaborative, afrobeat, disco vibe as models wore a mixture of designers from Africa and the diaspora, including MAXHOSA Knitwear pieces.
Photo credit: Belinda Lawley
Knitwear isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when I think of an African fashion label, and that’s one of the elements I like about MAXHOSA BY LADUMA; it caught me by surprise. Harnessing creative prowess from traditional Xhosa culture, MAXHOSA has reimaged stylish African knitwear.
Photo credit: Belinda Lawley
After winning the 2015 Vogue Italia Scouting for Africa prize, MAXHOSA has been covered Elle Magazine (South Africa) and earlier this year went viral after Beyoncé visited the Smithsonian Design Museum in NYC, and became aware of the brand.
MAXHOSA is making the world take note of African knitwear, not just in clothing (including socks) but furnishings too, with a collection of rugs.
At Lagos Fashion & Design Week a few days ago, the Apropriyeyshin SS17 collection was on full display.
“With this collection, I aim to express the beauty in culture exchange of the dress codes of western and Xhosa dress-code. All the looks are sketched with an ultimate objective of constructing an innovative utopian African feel, that will outlive the time span of the collection.” – MAXHOSA
I have great memories of Africa Utopia London and glad that Laduma was there. CNN African Voices caught up with him, giving insight to the man and the brand.
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I was also at Africa Utopia and fell in love with this collection. I’ve been patiently waiting to get my hands on the cardigan and shorts combo. It’s a little pricey but I’m willing to save lol.
http://www.amu-dat.com
Really enjoyed reading this post Maxhosa knitwear is outstanding reminds me of beautiful floor tiles.