This week in Paris, South African fashion designers took center stage at Paris Fashion Week, showcasing their unique styles and talents. Laduma Ngxokolo's MaXhosa Africa presented its first official runway show, featuring 54 looks that expanded the brand's signature knitwear vocabulary with new materials such as silk, chiffon, and organza. The show, held at the South African ambassador's residence, also included the brand's first footwear showcase and a live performance by South African musician Sjava.
Ngxokolo's show was not only a celebration of South African fashion but also a demonstration of the country's manufacturing capabilities. He emphasized that 90% of MaXhosa's products are produced in-house, showcasing the brand's commitment to African production. Ngxokolo highlighted the challenges of operating a business in South Africa, including energy and water supply issues, as well as strict labor laws. Despite these challenges, he expressed pride in showcasing African excellence in fashion.
Another South African designer making waves in Paris is Drew Henry, who unveiled his debut collection for Courrèges. Born in Witbank and trained at Lisof in Johannesburg, Henry previously worked at top fashion houses such as Céline and Burberry. His debut show explored the French house's colorful heritage and early 1960s archive, featuring neon yellow, acid green, and tangerine shades. Henry's collection marked a breakaway from the aesthetic of Nicolas di Felice, who served as creative director of Courrèges for five years.
Jacques LaGrange and Nadene Marx, founders of New Romantics Couture, also showcased their designs at independent events during Paris Fashion Week. LaGrange presented his collection as part of the Fashion Synergy Events PFW showcase, featuring elegant silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and embellished bomber jackets. His designs combined local embroidery, beading, and ostrich feathers with exquisite handmade detail. Marx, on the other hand, presented her "Africa in Paris" collection at Noir Fashion Week, which combined traditional Shweshwe fabrics and Ndebele-inspired woven elements with luxurious materials.
Marx's collection was a result of her win at the 2025 Africa Fashion Week emerging designer competition in Johannesburg. The showcase was a collaboration between Africa Fashion Week and Noir Fashion Week, featuring African Fashion Week founder and CEO Mpho Mogotsi and brand ambassador Zaza Letsholo as models. Marx's designs were inspired by the diversity of South Africa, combining traditional fabrics with luxurious materials such as velvet, satin, and Chantilly lace.
LaGrange's designs have gained international recognition, with 80% of his clients based in Europe, Dubai, and America. He emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards due to his global clientele. LaGrange is also the official designer of Fame Week Africa 2026 and presented his collection at Le Salon des Miroirs as part of the Fashion Synergy Events PFW showcase.
The presence of South African designers at Paris Fashion Week highlights the growing influence of African fashion on the global stage. With their unique styles and commitment to showcasing African excellence, designers like Ngxokolo, Henry, LaGrange, and Marx are making a mark on the fashion world. Their designs not only reflect the diversity and richness of African culture but also demonstrate the continent's manufacturing capabilities and creative talent.
Key points
- South African designers Laduma Ngxokolo, Drew Henry, Jacques LaGrange, and Nadene Marx showcased their designs at Paris Fashion Week, highlighting African fashion and manufacturing capabilities.
- Ngxokolo's MaXhosa Africa presented its first official runway show, featuring 54 looks and a live performance by South African musician Sjava.
- The designs showcased a mix of traditional African fabrics and luxurious materials, reflecting the diversity and richness of African culture.
