Heritage Streetwear
MaXhosa Africa
Born in Port Elizabeth, MaXhosa began as Laduma Ngxokolo's design-school thesis: a Xhosa initiation knitwear range translating amaXhosa beadwork into mohair and merino. Patterns once stitched on women's chests now read as graphic intarsia, rendered in the muted ochres and electric blues of the Eastern Cape. Stocked everywhere from New York to Milan and worn by Beyoncé and Alicia Keys, the house has become the global benchmark for modern African knitwear without leaving Johannesburg.
Where to Buy 2
Retailer list compiled from public information; actual availability may vary.
Timeline5
2010—2022·12 yrs
- 2010
Founded by Laduma Ngxokolo
Laduma Ngxokolo launches MaXhosa as his master's thesis at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, translating Xhosa beadwork motifs into knitwear.
- 2014
Vogue Italia 'Scouting for Africa' winner
Ngxokolo wins Vogue Italia's Scouting for Africa prize, launching the brand internationally.
- 2015
WGSN Global Design Award
MaXhosa wins WGSN's Global Design Award, recognised for fusing Xhosa cultural heritage with contemporary luxury knitwear.
- 2019
First New York Fashion Week show
MaXhosa debuts at New York Fashion Week, becoming one of the first South African heritage brands to show on the official schedule.
- 2022
Sandton flagship opens
The brand opens its flagship at Sandton City in Johannesburg, anchoring its African luxury positioning.
