An Interview with XITA DESIGNS: More Than An Accessory Brand, It's Wea – ADJOAA
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An Interview with XITA DESIGNS: More Than An Accessory Brand, It's Wearable Art

One Rapelana began her fashion journey by accident when she repurposed an old t-shirt into a necklace. This sparked her inspiration to create and design. Using old clothing, CDs, and varying fabrics, Rapelana created wearable statement pieces of art. This became the foundation for Xita Designs, a brand purposed by Rapelana’s need to empower women through bold designs and sustainable accessories. Initially, it was a hobby that filled her time while working a corporate internship in South Africa. However, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to officially declare Xita as a brand in 2018, allowing her to dedicate herself full-time to experimenting with new jewellery and looks to add to her label.

Since its creation in 2018, Xita has been recognised for its unique designs and transformative look, including being displayed at AFI Joburg Fashion Week in its first year as an established company.

Xita has recently released the Echoes of Transcendence Collection, which focuses on the ideals of self-discovery, evolution, and creative expression. Using brass as a medium to symbolize the inner resilience each woman holds. Ranging from statement necklaces to intricately curated pendants, Xita aims to provide confidence in the women who wear their pieces while also telling a story of inner growth.

 

 

SHOP The Evoke Mini Earrings Here


In an interview with One Rapelana, we were given EXCLUSIVE insight into her process as a designer and her career journey through a Q&A interview below:

 

How did you develop the unique style Xita is known for?

The unique style Xita is known for developed organically over time. I’ve always found inspiration in observing everyday objects, their forms, textures, and sometimes, the ideas simply come to me. This curiosity led me to experiment with materials and techniques, blending unconventional elements like leather offcuts and brass to create bold, wearable art.

 Flow Earrings

 SHOP the Xita Flow Earrings Here

 

What’s your process for designing a new piece or collection?

I don’t have a specific process when it comes to designing a new piece or collection, it’s very intuitive and often inspired by unexpected things. A random object, like a chair, can spark an idea. Sometimes, a design comes straight from my imagination. There are moments when I’ll sketch out an idea to explore it further, but other times, I dive straight into working with materials. I love experimenting and letting the process guide me, which often leads to unexpected, even accidental, designs. It’s this element of surprise and discovery that makes the creative journey so exciting for me.

 

Where do you draw inspiration for your designs?

I draw inspiration from random everyday objects, life experiences, sound/music, and the beauty of landscapes around me. Other times, I honestly don’t know where the inspiration comes from, it just pops into my head unexpectedly. Creativity for me is often spontaneous and fuelled by curiosity, which keeps the process exciting and unpredictable.

 

What role do cultural influences play in your designs?

Currently, my designs aren’t heavily influenced by cultural elements, but there are moments where my heritage comes through. For example, some of my pieces are named in Setswana, such as the Nako necklace, which means ‘time' in Setswana. It's design features leather shaped like the hands of a clock, symbolising the passage of time. 

SHOP the Nako Brass Necklace with Leather Off-Cuts Here

 

What’s one thing about you as a designer people may not know?

One thing people may not know about me as a designer is that I'm not just a designer, I explore many forms of artistic expressions. From art direction, illustration, graphic design to sound. I consider myself a curious creative.

 

Can you share a pivotal moment that defined your career?

While I believe I’ve only scratched the surface of my journey and that the ultimate pivotal moment is still ahead, there have been several defining milestones along the way. Being a part of the Africa Fashion exhibition pop-up store at the Brooklyn Museum, alongside other African and Black-owned brands I’ve admired since the beginning of my journey, was an incredible highlight. Another was seeing Xita featured in a four-page spread in Glamour magazine, which was such a proud moment. And, of course, having Stefano Pilati, the former creative director of YSL, wear my Cleopatra neckpiece was a surreal honour. These moments remind me of how far I’ve come and keep me excited about what’s to come.

 

SHOP the Faux Leather Neckpiece Here

 

To see more of Xita and shop One Rapelana’s work click here and find your new statement piece of jewellery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About The Author: Grace Chittick is a Marketing and Public Relations Intern at ADJOAA, currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Integrated Marketing Education with a minor in Public Relations at DePaul University.

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