Maxhosa Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear Collection: A Celebration of African Craft at Paris Fashion Week

This past Friday, Maxhosa Africa brought a stunning mix of history and modernity to the American Church in Paris, showcasing their Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear collection at Paris Fashion Week. Despite some last-minute drama involving Frankfurt airport customs, designer Laduma Ngxokolo delivered a show that fused African cultural symbols and traditional craftsmanship with fresh, contemporary silhouettes that are sure to captivate.

Behind the scenes, Ngxokolo shared the inspiration for this season: traditional Xhosa artifacts and motifs, which have long been celebrated for their intricate beadwork. But Ngxokolo didn’t stop at his native culture; he drew from various African traditions to create a collection that feels authentically rooted yet undeniably modern. His approach to this rich cultural storytelling is subtle. “We try to approach it in a way where the result isn’t too obvious,” Ngxokolo explained. “If you know, you know, but if not, that’s fine too. We want these pieces to be worn every day, not just for traditional events.”

For Ngxokolo, fashion isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a way of reclaiming and rewriting African history. “We, as Africans, have a responsibility to define our future and not let others tell our story for us,” he said. This theme of resurrection, of bringing Africa’s past into a new future, is at the heart of Maxhosa’s latest collection.

On the runway, Maxhosa’s signature knitwear shone through, with cardigans that felt just as at home in the boardroom as they would on the beach. One of the show’s standout pieces? A halter top with iridescent fish scales and a playful pearl fringe—a true showstopper. And let’s talk about those dresses: A striking long black-and-white number paired with a raffia belt, and a short blue-and-green dress that exuded bold elegance. Each piece embodied the balance of tradition and innovation that Maxhosa is known for.

Maxhosa’s dedication to sustainability was also on display, particularly in a patchwork coat made from repurposed fabric scraps, a nod to the brand’s zero-waste philosophy. Ngxokolo’s commitment to local sourcing and eco-friendly materials, like merino and mohair, continues to lead the charge for responsible fashion.

Maxhosa Africa is no stranger to the spotlight. With a celebrity fan base that includes Michelle Obama, Alicia Keys, and Sarah Jakes Roberts, the brand’s influence has crossed borders. Just last year, Maxhosa opened a flagship store in New York City, signaling its growing presence on the global stage.

But Ngxokolo has even bigger plans for African fashion. “In 10 years, I see African fashion competing head-to-head with European, American, and Asian fashion,” he said. And with Africa’s rapidly growing tech scene and an emerging middle class, his vision doesn’t seem too far off. As more people look for luxury and infrastructure on the continent, African fashion is poised to meet that demand.

Maxhosa’s ethos of “retro-aspirational” design—celebrating Africa’s past while looking forward—was evident throughout the Spring 2025 collection. From the intricate beadwork to the innovative silhouettes, each piece felt like a celebration of African culture with a modern twist.

As African fashion continues to rise in prominence, Maxhosa Africa is leading the charge, proving that Africa is not just part of the global fashion conversation—it’s shaping it. Ngxokolo’s commitment to cultural preservation, sustainability, and forward-thinking design sets Maxhosa apart, making this collection one of the most exciting shows at Paris Fashion Week.