A culture-rooted brand

MAXHOSA: 15 YEARS CHURNING OUT AFRICAN COUTURE

- Hein Kaiser

Here's traditional African clobber that you can pick up at a market. Then, there's African couture.

Only a few do the latter more progressively than designer brand Maxhosa.

It's been 15 years of unstoppable momentum for the brand less ordinary. Founded in 2010 as a university thesis project by creative director Laduma Ngxokolo, it has grown into a globally celebrated cultural luxury house.

Known for its premium knitwear and distinct storytelling patterns, Maxhosa's rise is a testament to the power of heritage and innovation.

Ntsika Tyatya, culture and communications lead at Maxhosa, described the journey as "beautifully challenging," filled with extraordinary highs and equally testing lows.

The label's Sandton City store was recently named as a South African icon in the centre's late spring campaign that recognised iconic brands.

"It's been a whirlwind from starting as a menswear brand to opening seven physical stores that include one international outlet. We've pushed boundaries in fashion. We've showcased at nearly 20 Fashion Weeks globally, but the ride hasn't been without its challenges."