Xita (brand)
Xita (stylised as Xita) is a Botswana-rooted accessory and jewellery brand founded in 2015.[1] The founder, One Rapelana, is a self-taught designer with a background in marketing and management, who turned a hobby into a business by 2018, earning recognition for her original, sustainable and new designs.[2][3][4]
Early life and formation of the brand
One Rapelana graduated from Monash South with a Business Science degree in Marketing and Management.[1] When her internship ended in 2014, she began experimenting creatively deconstructing old clothing and repurposing materials like T-shirts and CDs into handmade neckpieces. The creative brand Xita was inspired by her birthdate's association with Saint Zita, later altered to Xita in 2025.[3][5]
Brand evolution and design ethos
Initially working with recycled t-shirt fabrics, Rapelana expanded her materials to include faux leather, genuine leather offcuts and brass. This progression reflects her commitment to sustainability and ethical production practices.[1][6][7]
Her work has appeared at fashion and design venues such as AFI Joburg Fashion Week (2018), Lima Design Expo (2020–2021), Glamour SA magazine, and the Brooklyn Museum’s Africa Fashion exhibition in New York (2023.[1][3][7]
Recognition and impact
Rapelana has been recognized as an award-winning entrepreneur, receiving accolades at regional Presidents’ Day celebrations and National Women Business Expos. Her business also benefited from government support and secured a Youth Development Fund grant/loan early in her career.[3][8]
Design philosophy and narrative
Xita’s designs are often described as “wearable art,” blending bold geometry and storytelling.[9] Early work utilized deconstructed ceramics and fabrics, while recent collections feature geometric brass and leather combinations, especially in pieces like neckpieces and bracelets.[10]
Her design philosophy focuses on individuality, sustainability and self-expression, which were intended to be a reflection of identity and journey.[10][9][11]
References
- ^ a b c d "THE STORY". Xitadesigns. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
- ^ "Xita". Seekd. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
- ^ a b c d "Meet the Designer One Rapelana of Botswana". Gabriela Barnat. 2023-03-30. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
- ^ Ncube, Dumisani (2015-12-04). "The multi creative house of Xita". Mmegi Online. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
- ^ "XITA". Dsgn Exchange. Archived from the original on 2025-08-15. Retrieved 2025-08-19.
- ^ "Xita". Seekd. Retrieved 2025-08-19.
- ^ a b Hawken, Melanie (2024-02-11). "One Rapelana, a creative and ethical accessory brand-builder in Botswana". Lionesses of Africa. Retrieved 2025-08-19.
- ^ Thomas, David (2025-03-05). "Botswana: a gender equality success story?". African Business. Retrieved 2025-08-19.
- ^ a b "Crafting Treasures: The Intention Behind Every Piece". Xitadesigns. 2024-09-03. Retrieved 2025-08-19.
- ^ a b "Forged from Feeling: The Artistry of Xita Designs – I luv Moda". Archived from the original on 2025-08-08. Retrieved 2025-08-19.
- ^ C, Priscilla (2025-05-15). "Meet the Maker: Xita Designs - Hunhu Collectiv". Retrieved 2025-09-10.