According to Laduma Ngxokolo, designer behind Laduma by Maxhosa,
“The brand started out as a my BTech thesis project at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in 2010. My project was based on exploring knitwear design solutions that would be suitable for amakrwala (Xhosa initiates). My vision was to create a modern Xhosa-inspired knitwear collection that would be suitable for amakrwala, who are prescribed by tradition to dress up in new dignified formal clothing for six months after their manhood initiation. As a person who has undergone the ritual, felt that I had to develop premium knitwear that has a resemblance of traditional Xhosa aesthetics. Along my journey into exploring astonishing traditional Xhosa beadwork patterns, symbolism and colours, I discovered that they would be the best source of inspiration for the knitwear, which I then reinterpreted into modern knitwear.” -Excerpt from The Plug
View full collection on AFI International.
Founded in 2007, Ladybrille® Magazine is a California based pioneer digital publication demystifying the image of Africans in the west through contemporary African fashion and celebrating the brilliant woman in business and leadership, with an emphasis on the African woman in the diaspora. Our coverage includes stories on capital, access to markets, expertise, hiring and retention, sales, marketing, and promotions.
