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Chunky knitwear, tasteful v-necks: South African tribe gets a style makeover
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
South African style —
Ngxokolo also uses local materials, like wool and mohair.
Courtesy Maxhosa
South African style —
His clothing has already garnered international attention, winning fans far beyond the Xhosa community.
Courtesy Maxhosa/Neil Roberts
South African style —
He has exhibited in London, Paris, New York and Milan.
Courtesy Maxhosa
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
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
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
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
South African style —
Although inspired to create formal wear for Xhosa men, Ngxokolo also designs women's wear.