Maxhosa Africa, Spring / Summer 2017

Models dressed in Maxhosa Africa Spring/Summer 2017 at Lagos Fashion Week 2016. The envisioned outcome of this collection ‘Apropriyeyshin’ is to use a positive approach to appropriation, dominate classic knitwear appeal, with a distinctive modern Xhosa aesthetic. Maxhosa Africa is a South African knitwear brand founded in 2012 by Laduma Ngxokolo. Ngxokolo wanted to create a ready-to-wear capsule collection that reflected his Xhosa heritage. He was inspired by amakrwala, the tribe's traditional male initiation ceremony that marks the rite of passage from boyhood to manhood with the purchase of a new mature wardrobe—usually including a premium quality knit jersey. Informed by traditional Xhosa beadwork patterns, symbolism, and colours, Ngxokolo's signature aesthetic—contemporary, graphic knitwear—has amassed worldwide recognition and acclaim.