South African brand MaXhosa Africa made a striking debut at Paris Women’s Fashion Week on Monday, showcasing a vibrant collection of knitwear designed to celebrate African crafts and unity. According to Gulf Today, founder Laduma Ngxokolo presented 54 looks, including pieces that reflect the recent re-scaling of Africa on the UN’s official map.
Ngxokolo expressed his pride in being represented on such a prestigious platform, noting that he has worked for 16 years to achieve this recognition. The Spring-Summer 2027 collection aims to highlight unity among African nations, featuring a wool dress adorned with knitted tassels that bear the names of various countries across the continent.
One standout piece from the collection was a black-and-grey outfit that prominently displayed an outline of Africa on the front, with other global regions illustrated on the back and sleeves. This design serves as a nod to the recent adjustments made by the UN to better represent the continent’s true size.
Ngxokolo stated that MaXhosa Africa aims to be a leading force in showcasing African talent to the world. The catwalk show, held at the South African ambassador’s residence in Paris, included a live performance by Afro-soul singer Sjava and featured accessories crafted from upcycled materials by Kenyan artist Cyrus Kabiru. Since its founding in 2010, MaXhosa Africa has grown to employ around 300 people and operates eight stores, producing all knitwear in its factories located in Johannesburg and East London.
Ngxokolo highlighted the importance of establishing a brand that is proudly “made in Africa,” noting that 90% of their products are produced in-house. He remarked on the lack of African representation in the global fashion scene, stating that while progress has been made, more platforms are needed to elevate African designers.
Paris Fashion Week features a total of 67 catwalk shows for the Spring-Summer 2027 season, with major brands like Christian Dior and Saint Laurent set to unveil their collections shortly. The Haute Couture and Fashion Federation (FHCM) has been working to diversify its roster, inviting emerging global labels to join established names.
As the fashion industry faces challenges, including leadership changes at major brands, Ngxokolo remains committed to professionalism and high-quality standards in his work. He aims to boost South Africa’s textile industry and demonstrate its capacity to produce luxury goods of exceptional quality.
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