Celebrating Xhosa Heritage with Maxhosa Africa, Taking the World by Storm
Laduma Ngxokolo, an award-winning South African fashion designer, has been making waves both locally and internationally with his captivating designs. Born and raised in Gqeberha, Ngxokolo’s journey began when his mother taught him to use a knitting machine, eventually leading him to study textile design and technology at Nelson Mandela University.
In 2010, Ngxokolo’s exceptional talent earned him a trip to London, where he received international recognition for winning the South African Society of Dyers and Colourists design competition. This achievement became the foundation for his now-famous clothing brand, Maxhosa Africa, which he launched the same year.
Laduma’s designs are a beautiful homage to his Xhosa heritage, incorporating traditional Xhosa beadwork patterns, symbols, and colors. His mission is to showcase the rich culture, language, and beauty of the Xhosa people on a global stage. This unique blend of tradition and modern fashion has led him to showcase his work at prestigious events such as New York Fashion Week, Berlin Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, and Paris Fashion Week.
Maxhosa Africa has garnered international acclaim, with celebrities like Swiss Beats, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Rafael Saadiq, and Michelle Obama proudly wearing Laduma’s creations. South African stars, such as John Kani and Unathi, have also been seen rocking Maxhosa designs.
Today, Maxhosa Africa is available in high-end malls across South Africa, including Boardwalk Mall in Gqeberha, Mall of Africa in Midrand, Duty-Free Mall at OR Tambo International Airport, Victoria Wharf Shopping in Cape Town, and Oceans Mall in Durban. For those in New York City, the brand can be found at Canal Street in Soho.
Laduma Ngxokolo’s passion for celebrating his Xhosa heritage through fashion has propelled his clothing brand, Maxhosa Africa, to incredible heights, capturing the hearts of fashion enthusiasts both in South Africa and around the world.
Bridget Mabilapso
Editor
Article written by Bridget Mabilapso