Bok star Makazole Mapimpi enters fashion world with new menswear brand

The brand, which focuses on men's casual apparel, was recently unveiled at Armitage Mens Outfitters in Umhlanga, north of Durban.

Mapimpi, who was named GQ South Africa's Best Dressed in 2025, shared a video of the launch event on TikTok as he celebrated the start of the new venture.

"The next chapter of my journey has begun. Building a clothing brand has always been a dream of mine and it starts now!" Mampimpi wrote on social media.

He also thanked everyone who came out to support his event: "@elevestudiosclo soft launch went a little like this. Huge thank you to everyone who came out and all the supportive messages."

According to the brand's story, the concept reflects Mapimpi's own journey - from a childhood marked by hardship to global recognition on rugby's biggest stage.

As a boy, Mapimpi often walked to school barefoot and owned just one pair of jeans. Each morning he would wash them before sunrise, hang them out to dry, iron them, and pair them with different T-shirts or hoodies to give the outfit a fresh look.

Today, that same mindset has evolved into a fashion brand focused on casual menswear and understated confidence.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi was quick to congratulate Mapimpi, saying: "You've worked hard. Well done!"

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