Xita (brand)

Xita is a Botswana-rooted accessory and jewelry brand founded in 2015. The founder, One Rapelana, is a self-taught designer who has earned recognition for her design work.

Early life and formation of the brand

Rapelana graduated from Monash South with a Business Science degree in Marketing and Management. In 2014, she began experimenting by deconstructing old clothing and repurposing materials like T-shirts and CDs into jewelry. The brand's name was inspired by her birthdate's association with Saint Zita, later altered to Xita in 2025.

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.

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).

Design philosophy and narrative

Her early work utilised deconstructed ceramics and fabrics, while recent collections feature geometric brass and leather combinations, especially in pieces like neckpieces and bracelets.

Her design philosophy primarily focuses on individuality, sustainability and self-expression, which is intended to be a reflection of her identity and journey.