Laduma Ngxokolo on creating the costumes for ‘Coming 2 America’ – The South African

Laduma Ngxokolo is still ecstatic about landing the design gig of a lifetime as a costume designer on Coming 2 America. The film is a sequel to the 1988 cult classic Coming To America, which also starred Eddie Murphy.

Ngxokolo’s surreal journey began in 2019, when the Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E Carter contacted him about having his designs prominently featured in the movie.

Laduma Ngxokolo and MaXhosa make history

In February, the South African fashion designer was finally able to share the exciting news with his fans, saying “the rest was history, and history was made”.

“My team and I enjoyed every minute of working on this project, we were especially delighted to see our pieces on our very own @nomzamo_m [South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha] and several acts we grew up dreaming of meeting. Thank you, Ruth,” Laduma Ngxokolo said.

Laduma Ngxokolo: ‘Getting the call was a great honour’

Laduma Ngxokolo has described his work on the project as an opportunity to make history in the evolution of African fashion. He also said many of the outfits seen in Coming 2 America would feature in his upcoming collection.

Speaking about the creative process, he said:

“Getting a call from her [Carter] was a great honour. And even better being told that she wants to work from me. She gave me free rein. Of course, she did brief me about the characters that are going to be wearing the pieces, but she said it’s my aesthetic and that I would understand the DNA better.”

The designer said he and his team were “super excited that we are officially part of history”.

“For the past 32 years, people have still been watching the old Coming To America movie. It means that, for us, we are going to be remembered for the next 30 years-plus when the next generation is looking at different ways of dressing up.”

Ngxokolo a fashion week regular

Laduma Ngxokolo is no stranger to the international stage. The celebrated designer’s work regularly features at fashion week events around the world. He has also dressed stars like Alicia Keys and NBA player Dwayne Wade.

Additionally, Ngxokolo has opened a new store at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront for his luxury fashion brand. Founded in 2012, MaXhosa Africa prides itself on showcasing the beauty, culture, language and aspiration of the Xhosa people. These elements evolve through Ngxokolo’s designs, translating into a form that also resonates with global fashion markets.

Coming 2 America is available on Amazon Prime and in cinemas across South Africa.

ALSO READ: Crossing genres: ‘Coming 2 America’ official soundtrack now streaming

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