From being featured in Italian Vogue and mentioned by Beyoncé to winning 'the most beautiful object in South Africa’ title at the 2016 Design Indaba, the country's premier design gathering, this South African-designed luxury knitwear brand continues to make waves globally. In 2024, Maxhosa will open a pop-up store in Soho, NYC.
Founded in 2010 by Laduma Ngxokolo, and produced in downtown Johannesburg, the Maxhosa label was inspired by the manhood rituals of the South African Xhosa people, whose origins are from the Eastern Cape. Young men undergo an initiation ritual, and as they pass from boy to man, they are given their first set of men's smart clothing to wear. For decades, this consisted of European brands.
Ngxokolo was born in Port Elizabeth, and studied textile design and technology at what is now named the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. It was there that he designed his first range to mark this special occasion, using traditional Xhosa patterns found in bead work, and symbolism from this rich culture. His unique modern contemporary clothing designs are designed for all genders, and his range of items has expanded over the years to include homeware, wallpaper, rugs, and furnishing. Each piece is a statement, and the label is highly coveted by those who are looked up to as style icons. You can also find a branch of the store in Cape Town at the V&A Waterfront.
Head to the Mall of Africa's website for a handy guide on how to plan your visit here.
Founded in 2010 by Laduma Ngxokolo, and produced in downtown Johannesburg, the Maxhosa label was inspired by the manhood rituals of the South African Xhosa people, whose origins are from the Eastern Cape. Young men undergo an initiation ritual, and as they pass from boy to man, they are given their first set of men's smart clothing to wear. For decades, this consisted of European brands.
Ngxokolo was born in Port Elizabeth, and studied textile design and technology at what is now named the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. It was there that he designed his first range to mark this special occasion, using traditional Xhosa patterns found in bead work, and symbolism from this rich culture. His unique modern contemporary clothing designs are designed for all genders, and his range of items has expanded over the years to include homeware, wallpaper, rugs, and furnishing. Each piece is a statement, and the label is highly coveted by those who are looked up to as style icons. You can also find a branch of the store in Cape Town at the V&A Waterfront.
Head to the Mall of Africa's website for a handy guide on how to plan your visit here.
