Brief
Maxhosa Africa showcases pan‑African collection at Paris Fashion Week
Creative director Laduma Ngxokolo used the show to promote South Africa's diversity, industry and luxury knitwear.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On 28 September 2026, Maxhosa Africa became the first South African label to stage a full runway show on the official Paris Fashion Week calendar, unveiling a Spring/Summer 2027 women’s ready‑to‑wear collection that celebrated pan‑Africanism.
Creative director Laduma Ngxokolo told journalists the show was meant to highlight South Africa’s diversity, beauty and business successes, saying, “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.”
The collection was produced in the brand’s two knitting factories in Johannesburg and East London, Eastern Cape, using locally sourced wool. Ngxokolo said the aim was to boost the country’s textile industry and prove it can create high‑quality luxury goods.
Models walked on a catwalk of woven straw mats, wearing multi‑coloured knit labels bearing African country names, bright patterned bra tops, flowing midi skirts and geometric knit ensembles. Accessories included glasses made from waste by Kenyan artist Cyrus Kabiru. Menswear ranged from a checkerboard double‑breasted suit to street‑style baggy shorts and polo shirts. Ngxokolo cited traditional Xhosa beadwork as inspiration, alongside global houses such as Missoni, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
The show was staged in the gilded rooms of the South African ambassador’s residence in Paris, with South African rapper Sjava providing the soundtrack.
For more on Paris Fashion Week events, see our shopping guide.
Key facts
- Maxhosa Africa held its runway show on 28 September 2026 during Paris Fashion Week. (bizcommunity.com)
- The brand was the first South African label on the official Paris Fashion Week calendar. (bizcommunity.com)
- Creative director Laduma Ngxokolo said the show aimed to showcase a thriving, less corrupt Africa. (bizcommunity.com)
- Maxhosa’s knitwear is produced in factories in Johannesburg and East London, Eastern Cape, using locally sourced wool. (bizcommunity.com)
- Designs featured multi‑coloured knitted labels with African country names and accessories by Kenyan artist Cyrus Kabiru. (bizcommunity.com)
Sources
- [1] bizcommunity.com — originally reported as “Maxhosa Africa brings pan-Africanism to Paris Fashion Week”
