As kwaito music rose meteorically in the 1990s, so did its accompanying fashion trends. With a finger firmly on the pulse of the budding subculture Sechaba Mogale and Wandi Nzimande were the hands that wove magic creating their iconic brand, Loxion Kulca.
Moving the growing empire from the boots of their cars to the ramps of SA Fashion Week, Loxion Kulca produced must-have items. On its return in 2019, Loxion Kulca was set to dominate another generation of urban fashion lovers. The fairytale came to a jolting halt when Nzimande died this year.
Swiftly taking charge, former creative director Ole Ledimo returned to the brand for this season’s digital show at SA Fashion Week.
“Wandi loved the culture, he loved music as a DJ, he loved his family and Wandi was such a fun person,” shares Ledimo, “the collection was inspired by everything and everyone that he loved”.
The spring/summer season collection features bursts of colour and vibrant monochromatic prints. The kaleidoscopic show honours all of Nzimande’s favourite things.
“In one of the pieces I wrote dombolo [dumpling],” Ledimo shares, laughing, remembering Nzimande for his hidden cooking talents.
The collection still captures the house’s relaxed silhouettes with staple pieces such as print-heavy men's wear jackets and bucket hats in a number of pairings.
“Wandi was a happy chappy, so for the first time I made a print that spells out Loxion Kulca that I believe will live beyond everyone else. Loxion Kulca is such a strong brand – there’s something about it that will outlive people.”
Ledimo also shares that the success of the show owes a lot to the help of Nzimande’s wife Hlapo, who not only made sure that Wandi stayed true to the vision of Loxion Kulca but has been a “pillar” that has contributed greatly to the brand.
With music playing a vital role in many of the brand’s past shows and collaborations, Ledimo has put together a surprise element, including a rhythmic commemoration from Nzimande’s daughter and a heartfelt poem that integrates common words shared by the many lives Nzimande touched throughout his life.
Tickets to the heartfelt digital show are available on SA Fashion Week’s website at safashionweek.co.za.
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