# Culturally Infused Knitwear This African Knitwear Breathes Life Through Design By Michael Baxter | Published 2014-05-19 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/african-knitwear References: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/design/laduma-ngxokolo-xhosa-beadwork-knitwear-05-16-2014/) & [maxhosa.co.za](http://www.maxhosa.co.za/) Given how hot it is in Africa at all times, you would think that the idea of [African knitwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/african-fashion-futures-incubator) would be a strange one. As soon as you see the clothing, you'll understand that it's not nearly as strange as it seems. The clothing line is luxury at its core, but maintains its roots. By using [traditional African beadwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arty-knitwear) Luduma Ngxokolo has created something timeless, something that you won't find anywhere else. The designs come from the Mpondo clan, Laduma's clan and show off a rich history that few know about. The purpose of the line is to clothe Africans in clothing that reminds them of their roots, rather than clothing that tries to strip them of it. Photo Credits: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/design/laduma-ngxokolo-xhosa-beadwork-knitwear-05-16-2014/), [maxhosa.co.za](http://www.maxhosa.co.za/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 78% | Activity: 82% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **African-inspired Luxury:** Opportunity to innovate by incorporating traditional African designs into luxury products. - **Cultural Roots in Fashion:** Opportunity to innovate by creating clothing that celebrates cultural heritage. - **Global Marketplace for Local Designs:** Opportunity to innovate by showcasing local designs on a global platform. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion:** Industry can innovate by incorporating traditional designs and celebrating cultural heritage. - **Luxury:** Industry can innovate by creating luxury products that incorporate local cultural designs. - **E-commerce:** Industry can innovate by creating a global platform to showcase local designs and connect them to a global market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cultural Capsule Collaboration](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/labrum-x-john-lewis.md) - [Silky Camouflage-Design Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lisous-empire-collection.md) - [Contemporary African Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daily.md) - [High-End Bohemian Knitwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alanui-2.md) - [Cultural Craftwear Collection](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paka-1.md) - [Collaborative Hand-Knit Streetwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/macmahon-knitting-mills-and-beams.md) - [Art-Infused Workwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nepenthes-capsule.md) - [Hand- Knitted Joint Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beams-x-macmahon-knitting-mills.md) - [Arty Knitwear Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arty-knitwear.md)