Meet the Maker: Xita Designs
In the heart of Botswana, designer One Rapelana transforms everyday materials into striking accessories that celebrate self-expression and sustainability. As the founder of Xita Designs, One creates handcrafted jewelry and bags that are more than adornments—they’re stories of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride.
One’s journey began in 2015 when, after completing a corporate internship, she repurposed old clothing and CDs into a statement necklace. The positive response to her creation ignited a passion that led her to establish Xita as a full-time brand in 2018. Drawing inspiration from geometric shapes, everyday objects, and her surroundings, One’s designs are intuitive explorations of form and meaning.
Xita’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of recycled leather, brass, and eco-friendly packaging crafted by local women artisans. Each piece, from the evocative “Evoke” earrings to the time-inspired “Nako” necklace, embodies a fusion of Afro-futurist aesthetics and ethical craftsmanship.
The brand’s impact has reached international platforms, with showcases at AFI Joburg Fashion Week, Lima Design Week, and the Brooklyn Museum’s Africa Fashion exhibition. Features in publications like Glamour SA and accolades such as the Emerging Designers award at GemGenève 2025 highlight Xita’s growing influence in the fashion world.
Through Xita Designs, One Rapelana invites wearers to embrace boldness, sustainability, and the transformative power of art.
Explore Xita’s collections and discover pieces that resonate with your journey.
- Tags: Fashion Show, Press Releases
