NMMU incubator graduate wins Vogue Scouting for Africa!

South African luxury knitwear label MaXhosa by Laduma Ngxokolo has been announced as the winner of the Vogue Talents “Scouting for Africa” competition launched by Vogue Talents. Laduma created the brand Maxhosa by Laduama after studying at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in 2011. Laduma then joined the NMMU’s Arts and Design Incubator run by the Department of Innovation Support & Technology Transfer in collaboration with the School of Music, art and Design. The Incubator provided Laduma with space, access to machines, and mentorship. He left the incubator in 2014, but is still receiving support for management of his business and continues to do the NMMU proud. MaXhosa’s distinctive designs reference his Xhosa heritage using local materials and manufacturers. He has been poised on the brink of an international breakthrough for a while noe, and it seems like it’s about to come true. “I also feel privileged and proud to be South African and to be utilising the resources and inspiration we possess to create a unique voice that can be understood and appreciated across many countries I have visited,” Laduma said in an interview. Laduma took the winning title from a list of 11 finalists which included Nigerian designers Adebayo Oke-Lawal of Orange Culture and Olajumoke Ademilua of O’milua. He will go on to present his creations at the international showcase of Palazzo Morando in Milan in September 2015, and at the Africa International Fashion Week in December 2015 in Lagos. Congratulations Laduma!