MAXHOSA X Bombay Sapphire Unveil #StirCreativity Garment

(29 June 2019, Johannesburg) Premium gin Bombay Sapphire and fashion design supernova Laduma Ngxokolo’s #StirCreativity collaboration has moved into its next phase, which saw the designer opening up his creative space and revealing the Bombay Sapphire inspired garment he designed.

The reveal took place in downtown Johannesburg, where Ngxokolo has established MAXHOSA’s atelier in a building he co-owns with fellow creatives Nelson Makamo and DJ Black Coffee. The space houses his factory, design and retail space from which the Maxhosa team operates.

 

The #StirCreativity dress

Ngxokolo comments “This stage of the #StirCreativity campaign was especially exciting for me, to be able to showcase how I interpreted the theme and applied Bombay Sapphire’s aesthetic to my own design. This reflects the kind of work we’ve been doing with MAXHOSA clients lately on bespoke pieces – they come in, and we collaboratively select the colors and patterns. What comes out of that is pure magic! During the process of designing the #StirCreativity dress, I realized how much common ground the MAXHOSA and Bombay Sapphire share – they use natural ingredients straight from the ground – their botanicals – and we do the same in our use of natural resources, wool, and mohair. It certainly made the design process flow really naturally and organically, and I believe the garment reflects that beautifully.”

In a similar fashion, Bombay Sapphire’s call to Stir Creativity through the art of mixology encouraged the guests to unleash the artist within by crafting their own cocktails – the results were a fascinating range of blends and mixes, all underpinned by the Bombay Sapphire base.

The MAXHOSA X Bombay Sapphire garment also reflected this collaborative spirit – signature traits of the premium gin were elegantly fused with MAXHOSA’s trademark knits and patterns, creating an alluring bespoke piece that speaks to both brands DNA. Laduma’s use of velvet delivered Bombay Sapphire’s image as a 3-dimensional experience by creating a 3D effect, enhanced by the use of sapphire panels placed in a symmetrical fashion. The garment’s color palette is defined by Bombay Sapphire’s turquoise, light, and mid blue colors, along with a copper finish which served as the main tone of the dresses trimming.

“The #StirCreativity collaboration with Laduma has been a perfect reflection of what the campaign seeks to achieve” comments Francois Portier, Area Director for Bacardi brands in Africa, including Bombay Sapphire “As Bombay Sapphire, we were excited about sparking creativity with one of South Africa’s most prolific fashion design pioneers, and the #StirCreativity garment he created delivered above and beyond expectations – he is a true master! We’re excited about what this bespoke garment will ultimately do to support young creatives, and are looking forward to the next elements of this partnership.”