In South Africa's Eastern Cape, Xhosa men undergo an initiation, after which they must wear formal clothing for six months. <br />Knitwear designer Laduma Ngxokolo was dismayed that the formal clothes available to Xhosa men were from the West, so he created formal wear that incorporates the Xhosa aesthetic.
South African style —
In South Africa's Eastern Cape, Xhosa men undergo an initiation, after which they must wear formal clothing for six months.
Knitwear designer Laduma Ngxokolo was dismayed that the formal clothes available to Xhosa men were from the West, so he created formal wear that incorporates the Xhosa aesthetic.
Courtesy Maxhosa/Neil Roberts
Ngxokolo also uses local materials, like wool and mohair.
South African style —
Ngxokolo also uses local materials, like wool and mohair.
Courtesy Maxhosa
His clothing has already garnered international attention, winning fans far beyond the Xhosa community.
South African style —
His clothing has already garnered international attention, winning fans far beyond the Xhosa community.
Courtesy Maxhosa/Neil Roberts
He has exhibited in London, Paris, New York and Milan.
South African style —
He has exhibited in London, Paris, New York and Milan.
Courtesy Maxhosa
Ngxokolo hails from the Eastern Cape -- the birthplace of Nelson Mandela. Mandela was himself a Xhosa chief.
South African style —
Ngxokolo hails from the Eastern Cape -- the birthplace of Nelson Mandela. Mandela was himself a Xhosa chief.
Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty Images
For the initiation, Xhosa boys don traditional outfits and paint their faces in clay before they are circumcised by a traditional healer.
South African style —
For the initiation, Xhosa boys don traditional outfits and paint their faces in clay before they are circumcised by a traditional healer.
ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images
Ngxokolo (center) is a staple at international fashion weeks. He showcased his work at Labo Ethnik Fashion Week in Paris.
South African style —
Ngxokolo (center) is a staple at international fashion weeks. He showcased his work at Labo Ethnik Fashion Week in Paris.
Courtesy Maxhosa/SDR Photo
"I would prefer to celebrate what I have here before going abroad and celebrating things that are out there," he says.
South African style —
"I would prefer to celebrate what I have here before going abroad and celebrating things that are out there," he says.
Courtesy Maxhosa
Although inspired to create formal wear for Xhosa men, Ngxokolo also designs women's wear.
South African style —
Although inspired to create formal wear for Xhosa men, Ngxokolo also designs women's wear.
Courtesy Maxhosa/SDR Photo