The South African brand, led by visionary designer Laduma Ngxokolo, presents their jaw-dropping Fall 2025 Ready-to-Wear collection, “Lo Ngumbulelo,” which translates to “This is Gratitude.”
If this is gratitude, we’re grateful right back!
From the moment music icon Maglera Doe Boy opened the show with a performance that had the audience buzzing, you could tell this was going to be something special.
The runway transformed into a vibrant visual story, where every outfit seemed to carry a piece of history while looking like it belonged in the future. Ngxokolo’s designs are rooted in Xhosa traditions, think intricate beadwork, bold patterns, and color symbolism, but this collection went beyond. It borrowed from other African cultures and fused them into modern silhouettes that felt fresh, wearable, and deeply meaningful.
The pieces? Oh, they were stunning. Knitwear took center stage with cardigans versatile enough for both office meetings and beach strolls. One standout was a halter top inspired by the Venus figurine, adorned with shimmering fish-scale layers and playful pearl fringe. Dresses ranged from long black-and-white numbers cinched with raffia belts to shorter styles in vibrant blues and greens that radiated strength and elegance. And let’s not forget the bold graphic shirts that paired African motifs with Sistine Chapel-inspired artistry—talk about blending worlds!
Ngxokolo’s commitment to sustainability shone through as well. Leftover materials were ingeniously repurposed into colorful patchwork coats, proving that luxury can be eco-conscious. His philosophy of “retro-aspirational” design—drawing on Africa’s rich past while aiming for global ambitions – was evident in every stitch.
The energy didn’t stop at the runway. After the show, the celebration moved to Cova in Paris for an unforgettable after-party headlined by renowned DJ Kabza De Small. With Hennessy hosting both Maglera Doe Boy and Kabza De Small, the night was as stylish as it was spirited.
Ngxokolo has big dreams for African fashion, envisioning it standing shoulder to shoulder with European, American, and Asian brands within a decade. And why not? With Africa’s tech industry booming and its middle class rising, there’s no reason its fashion can’t lead the charge. Maxhosa Africa is already paving the way, dressing global icons like Michelle Obama and Alicia Keys and opening flagship stores in New York.
This collection wasn’t just about clothes; it was about reshaping narratives. Ngxokolo said it best: “We have a duty as Africans to sculpt our own future.” And sculpt he did—into garments that felt like wearable art pieces carrying stories of resilience, pride, and innovation.
