A Xhosa Story

In the isiXhosa (Xhosa) culture, an ethnic group of people found mainly in the Eastern Cape regions of South Africa. Fashion is a strong reflection of culture and heritage. It’s taking inspiration from traditional garments worn by this cultural group that has inspired the designs. With a key focus on the representation of the traditional cloth worn by women as a significance of a life stage of a women. The cloth or form of dress becomes a symbol of a rite of passage for a young woman, who is considered a girl before she marries. While certain symbolic items have evolved over time, the modern-day makoti’s (Bride) wedding attire reflects this passage into womanhood as well as serves to honour and preserve the dignity and beauty of Xhosa culture and rituals. Woman marrying into the Xhosa culture go through a ritual where they are dressed in traditional Xhosa dress/ cloth and this is accompanied by a new Xhosa name which is given to the new bride by the new family, symbolic of the unity that is now formed. 

This design takes inspiration from the Xhosa traditional use of colours, with linear graphic elements running horizontally across the design a graphic representation of a simplified contemporary Xhosa skirt as an overarching theme.

 Description:

Care:

* Scatters printed using eco friendly pigments and conventional water based screen printing inks free of solvents.

* We recommend a separate cold gentle hand wash.

* Avoid strong detergents, no bleach, no hard spinning, no excessive rubbing, no hot or industrial wash.

* Possible shrinkage of 5%