The first MaXhosa Africa Sustainability Fashion Festival will give lovers of the iconic luxury fashion brand a glimpse into the sustainable practices that are at the core of its business.
Book your tickets here to be part of the festivities on 22 April 2023.
Known for fashion-forward mens- and womenswear in striking and colourful graphics, MaXhosa Africa has gained worldwide recognition for its unique knitwear and designs.
“Our customers know the brand as a luxury African brand that has a distinct style with uncompromising quality,” says Laduma Ngxokolo, MaXhosa Africa’s founder and designer.
“Now is the time to showcase the deeply considered sustainability practices behind each and every MaXhosa garment, from sourcing the raw materials through superior finishing. An approach that ensures quality and long-lasting, slow fashion.”
Taking place on World Earth Day, the MaXhosa Africa’s Sustainability Fashion Festival will include an interactive exhibition that unpacks the natural fabrics and key steps involved in a sustainable supply chain. On view will be sheep and Merino goats – that will be sheared on site – plus spinning, weaving and the dying of natural wool. In a practical demonstration of the making of designer knitwear, the seamstresses and cutters who make the Maxhosa Africa garments will demonstrate the making process and interact with guests.
“I’ve always wanted to host a festival,” Laduma explains. “To bring together a collection of people to celebrate and interact in a meaningful way. Creating the Sustainability Festival is not only an opportunity to introduce the MaXhosa brand practices, but it’s also a chance for a learning around what it means to be sustainable and how it can be incorporated into our everyday lives – whether it’s through the food we eat or the clothes we wear.”
The day will end with a show of the new season MaXhosa Africa AW2023 collection. Entitled The Sons and Daughters of Credo Mutwa, this collection is a homage to one of South Africa’s great Sanusi and mystical storytellers.
“Some of my design approaches are inspired by Credo’s images of the world and the continent,” explains Laduma. “Since I was a teenager, I have been listening to his lectures, reading his books and viewing his artwork. I am drawn to the way he portrays a mystical world; he has a deep imagination of all the different types of human characters.
“I was blessed to meet him a few months before he passed.”
The collection sees a seasonal refresh of the brand’s signature, timeless pieces, plus a new selection of fashion-forward looks in season-aligned fabrications including silks and natural wools.
Food and drink will be central to the day’s festivities and various musical acts will be performing throughout the day. Multi-talented award-winning singer and songwriter, Simphiwe Dana, will close off the festivities.
The Maxhosa Africa Sustainability Fashion Festival takes place at Nirox Sculpture Park in Kromdraai on Saturday 22 April 2023, from 12 noon to 5pm.
Book your tickets here: nirox.howler.co.za/maxhosaafrica
