Antonio Macheve on fashion, favourites & inspirations

Antonio Macheve says he got into fashion by accident: “I’ve always loved the arts: I’ve been a DJ, an artist, played in a band, written poetry and I’ve always loved menswear. Now you’ll find all those elements are often combined in my fashion shows.”

It was a bout of unemployment for this son of a Mozambican diplomat that prompted the idea of getting into the business of fashion. What started as the making and selling of six pairs of shorts is now a fully-fledged menswear label called Xipixi. Macheve has expanded his range, and his flamboyant African luxury designs also include bow ties and tuxedos with a unique and colourful signature. Macheve and his team create both ready-to-wear and bespoke menswear.

This year’s ready-to-wear collection has a vibrant tropical flavour, and includes pyjamas and robes for “an elegant African gentleman”. The Xipixi tuxedo exudes a sense of originality that he has not seen before, says Macheve. “It’s very second-look, eye-grabbing style.”

Macheve’s bold and unique work and larger-than-life personality have attracted the attention of The Glenlivet and the designer is now an ambassador for the exclusive whisky brand.

Macheve says Xipixi is an extension of his own personality: “I was born in Mozambique and I’ve lived in Paris and New York. I grew up in museums all over the world. All my travels have influenced the DNA of Xipixi.”

MACHEVE RECOMMENDS 

RESTAURANT The Stack in Cape Town. I like the limited menu where every item has a special touch. The space is also a little like Xipixi: colourful, super luxurious, with strong touches of Africa.

DRINK Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc. I discovered it this summer with a Zambian friend of mine and I can’t get away from it! MUSIC I’m listening to John Coltrane, Miguel, and Daniel Caesar.

FRAGRANCE I’m a Chrome Azzaro kind of guy — it’s been my traditional smell for 15 years. But this Christmas my father-in-law gave me a bottle of Montblanc Legend and I really like it.

BOOK ReWork by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson. It challenges the notions of running a business in the current century, and has helped me to reshape my ideas for the next five years of Xipixi.