MmusoMaxwell

MmusoMaxwell is the sustainable, ready-to-wear womenswear label from design duo Mmuso Potsane and Maxwell Boko. Based in Johannesburg, the brand launched in 2016 after its designers connected while participating in the reality tv competition, “The Intern by David Tlale.” Realising they shared a similar creative vision and sense of style, they got to work establishing their eponymous brand, one which quickly became a one-to-watch on the regional runways of South African Fashion Week and Arise Fashion Week.

Potsane studied fashion at the Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein, Boko at the Vaal University of Technology, and together, they approach their design process through what they’ve termed “a neo-African point of view”. The brand’s aesthetic is a modern, functional and elegant one and their emphasis on impeccable tailoring has resulted in the creation of sustainable, quality garments that boast a distinctly minimalistic sophistication. Skilful deconstruction, cut-outs and layering are a few of the duo’s signature elements and with each collection they reveal an increasing confidence and an inclination toward simplicity and practicality.

MmusoMaxwell gained international acclaim when one of their designs was sported by Beyoncé at the 2018 Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 in South Africa and in 2020, they were declared one of the three winners of Arise Fashion Week’s first 30 Under 30 competition where Naomi Campbell walked the runway in a distinctly cut suit by the duo. MmusoMaxwell’s collections have also been spotlighted across various international fashion publications, including Vogue, Marie Claire South Africa, i-D Magazine, and Vogue Italia. Speaking to the latter, Potsane and Boko explained exactly what kind of woman they design for: “[She is] proudly African, she is influenced by what is happening around her, [and she] values her African heritage knowing that Africa is the future.