Maxhosa Africa Becomes First South African Brand on Official Paris Fashion Week Calendar
Maxhosa Africa made history on September 28, 2026, becoming the first South African brand to stage a full runway show on the official Paris Fashion Week calendar. Creative director Laduma Ngxokolo unveiled his Spring/Summer 2027 women’s ready-to-wear collection in the gilded rooms of the residence of the South African ambassador to France.
The showcase, which featured a soundtrack provided by South African musician and rapper Sjava, focused on the theme of pan-Africanism. Ngxokolo stated that he intended the presentation to highlight South Africa’s beauty, diversity, and business achievements. That’s the Africa that we all want to live in, where the economy thrives, where the crimes become less, where politically it’s less corrupt — that’s the Africa that we’re trying to showcase here,
Ngxokolo told journalists following the event.
Design and Production
The collection was presented on a catwalk constructed from woven straw mats. The garments featured geometric patterns that evoke traditional Xhosa beadwork, though Ngxokolo noted that his inspirations also include Missoni, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. The runway looks included:
- Women’s ensembles consisting of brightly patterned bra tops with wavy hems, midi skirts, and matching geometric knit sets in lilac and grey.
- Menswear ranging from formal double-breasted suits in checkerboard knits to casual streetwear, including polo shirts and baggy shorts.
- Accessories such as eyewear created from waste by Kenyan artist Cyrus Kabiru.
The brand manufactures its clothing at two company-owned knitting factories in Johannesburg and East London. By producing locally—including sourcing wool from the Eastern Cape—Ngxokolo aims to demonstrate that South Africa can produce high-quality luxury goods and strengthen the nation’s textile industry.
Representation on the Global Stage
Despite his success in securing a spot at Paris Fashion Week, Ngxokolo expressed that the African continent remains underrepresented in the global fashion industry. He revealed that he had initially planned to bring other African designers to Paris but lacked the necessary resources to do so.
I feel honoured to be represented, I’ve been fighting to sit at the table for 16 years now,
Ngxokolo said. We feel that we are still underrepresented as the African continent.