This collection will play with the aesthetic, because ‘fashion is often taken too seriously‘
History will be made as Zeitz MOCAA, Cape Town’s iconic cultural hub, hosts MaXhosa Africa’s inaugural standalone fashion show in the heart of the Mother City. This milestone occasion marks a significant achievement for both the acclaimed South African knitwear brand, founded by Laduma Ngxokolo, and Cape Town as host of the highly-anticipated event.
Titled “A.S.T.O (African Space Travellers Organisation),” MaXhosa Africa’s fashion show promises an unforgettable evening unveiling its SS23/24 collection and showcasing the brand’s innovative designs and unique African inspiration. Scheduled for 26 October at 7pm, the fashion show hosted at Zeitz MOCAA further cements its status as a premier Cape Town venue for cultural and artistic expression.
Zeitz MOCAA’s Institutional Advancement Director Lungi Morrison expressed excitement about hosting MaXhosa’s fashion show, stating: “Their celebration of colourful African patterns and motifs paired with forward-thinking designs perfectly embodies our mission to showcase the best of contemporary African creativity. We see this as a great brand fit and are thrilled to welcome MaXhosa’s visionary collection.”
The choice of Cape Town holds special significance, as MaXhosa Africa opened a store at the V&A Waterfront, home of Zeitz MOCAA, in 2020. Founder and Creative Director Laduma Ngxokolo said: “Of all places, Cape Town is one of Africa’s most beautiful cities. As MaXhosa is in the business of beauty, it is fitting to unveil our latest collection here. With its futuristic appeal, Zeitz MOCAA is the perfect venue to showcase our theme.”
The collection’s title, A.S.T.O, pays homage to the fictional pan-African space exploration initiative Alkebulan Aeronautics and Space Administration. Alkebulan, meaning “mother of mankind”, is considered the original indigenous name for Africa before colonisation.
The A.S.T.O theme emerged from discussions about futuristic interpretations of traditional healer dress codes. Ngxokolo explained: “I see traditional Bantu healers as space travellers in their spiritual realms. This collection imagines how ancient Africans might dress travelling worldwide and embracing cultures while remaining true to MaXhosa’s nature-inspired patterns and motifs.”
Ngxokolo noted this collection will also “play with the aesthetic because fashion is often taken too seriously”.
Focusing primarily on womenswear with some menswear elements, the collection will showcase approximately 80 looks. Ngxokolo hinted the name of the show also represents the brand’s growth beyond Africa to share its designs worldwide. “It reflects our journey as we break out of the continent to find permanent spaces globally,” he said. “We are in the business of pushing boundaries, while continuing to honour our African heritage and style.”
For more details, visit: https://zeitzmocaa.museum/
About MaXhosa Africa
MaXhosa Africa is a luxury institution that seeks to showcase the mother continent for the greatness that it is. The brand further seeks to reposition culture on the pedestal as a thought leader in society, for the current and future universe.