South African brand MaXhosa Africa made its debut on the Paris Fashion Week calendar, showcasing a vibrant knitwear collection that celebrates African crafts and unity. The collection, designed by founder Laduma Ngxokolo, featured 54 looks and included a wool dress with knitted tassels emblazoned with the names of African countries. This debut marks a significant milestone for MaXhosa Africa, which has been working to promote African fashion globally for 16 years.
The collection also featured a black-and-grey outfit with a huge outline of Africa at the front, and other areas of the world on the back and sleeves, highlighting the recent re-sizing of the United Nation's official map to better reflect the true size of the African continent. Ngxokolo expressed his pride and honor at being represented on the Paris Fashion Week calendar, saying that he has been fighting to sit on the table for 16 years. The catwalk show was held at the South African ambassador's residence and featured a live performance from Afro-soul singer Sjava.
MaXhosa Africa was founded in 2010 by Ngxokolo, and the brand has grown to employ around 300 people, run eight stores, and produce all of its knitwear from its two factories in Johannesburg and East London. The brand counts Michelle Obama and Beyonce as fans and has been recognized for its unique and vibrant designs. Ngxokolo stated that he grew up looking at inspiration from established brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, but wanted to create a brand that is proudly "made in Africa".
The Paris Fashion Week calendar is decided by France's Haute Couture and Fashion Federation (FHCM), and very few African designers have been afforded spots on the calendar. Cameroonian designer Imane Ayissi made history in January 2020 when he became the first sub-Saharan African designer on the official Haute Couture calendar. MaXhosa Africa's debut on the calendar marks a significant milestone for African fashion and highlights the growing recognition of African designers globally.
Ngxokolo emphasized the importance of professionalism and high standards in the fashion industry, stating that African designers need to take the fashion business seriously and focus on producing high-quality products. He also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to showcase MaXhosa Africa's designs on the Paris Fashion Week calendar and hopes that it will pave the way for more African designers to follow in his footsteps.
A total of 67 catwalk shows for 2027 Spring-Summer have been planned for this Women's Fashion Week, with dozens of other brands set to show their designs in private viewings and events around the French capital. Industry big beasts Christian Dior and Saint Laurent will send their new collections out on Tuesday. The fashion industry is facing a tough commercial environment, and several creative directors are reportedly facing changes, including Saint Laurent's Belgian designer Anthony Vaccarello.
Despite the challenges facing the fashion industry, Ngxokolo remains optimistic about the future of MaXhosa Africa and African fashion as a whole. He stated that the brand will continue to focus on producing high-quality products and promoting African unity and culture through its designs. With its debut on the Paris Fashion Week calendar, MaXhosa Africa has put South Africa on the fashion map and paved the way for other African designers to follow in its footsteps.
Key points
- MaXhosa Africa debuts on Paris Fashion Week calendar with vibrant knitwear collection celebrating African unity.
- Founder Laduma Ngxokolo emphasizes importance of professionalism and high standards in African fashion industry.
- Debut marks significant milestone for African fashion and highlights growing recognition of African designers globally.
