On Tradition, Symbolism, and (South) Afrikanness in Fashion Design A Conversation with Laduma Ngxokolo

Figure 2.

Always the consummate brand ambassador for MaXhosa, Ngxokolo dresses in an evolution of pieces. The knitted shawl, integral to traditional Xhosa dress, references beadwork and colors and Pringleinspired jerseys worn by Xhosa initiates after Ulwaluko circumcision rites (see https://maxhosa.africa/brand-story). The pattern on the pants is a printed, abstracted interpretation of beadwork; the dress, reflecting the latest stylistic evolution, shows the beadwork-influenced pattern as a subtle embossing. The branded balaclava is Ngxokolo's response to customers dressing up his pieces with their own balaclavas in a sophisticated urban "gangsta" vibe. Source: Laduma Ngxokolo.