From rugby star to style entrepreneur: Makazole Mapimpi launches elevè clothing label

For years, South Africans have known Makazole Mapimpi as the electric winger sprinting down the touchline for the South Africa national rugby union team.

Now, the rugby star is stepping into a very different arena, fashion.

Mapimpi has quietly launched his own clothing label, elevè, marking the start of a new chapter that blends his passion for style with his inspiring personal journey.

The soft launch of the brand took place at Armitage Mens Outfitters, just north of Durban, where friends, supporters and fans gathered to celebrate the beginning of the venture.

@makazole_m @elevestudiosclo soft launch went a little like this❤️‍🔥 Huge thank you to everyone who came out and all the supportive messages🙏 Website is now up and running. Link in bio. #fypツ #fashion #fashiontiktok ♬ original sound – david.

A brand rooted in a powerful personal story

The name elevè means “elevated,” but for Mapimpi, the word carries a deeper meaning.

According to the brand’s story, the idea reflects his own rise, from a childhood marked by hardship to global recognition on rugby’s biggest stage.

As a young boy, Mapimpi often walked to school barefoot and owned just a single pair of jeans. Each morning, he would wash them before sunrise, hang them to dry, iron them, and style them differently with T-shirts or hoodies to make them feel new again.

Even then, clothing wasn’t just about necessity, it was about expression.

Today, that same mindset has evolved into a full fashion brand built around casual menswear and understated confidence.

@makazole_m BTS with @elevestudiosclo as we prepare for something special. A first look at the upcoming “Fall 26” collection — where sport meets elevated street wear. Stay tuned 🖤 #fyp #ElevéStudios #Fall26 #SoftLaunch #ElevatedStyle ♬ original sound – StreetCornerFilms

A style icon beyond the rugby field

Mapimpi’s interest in fashion hasn’t gone unnoticed in recent years.

In 2025, GQ South Africa named him Best Dressed – Editor’s Choice, cementing his reputation as one of the most stylish figures in South African sport.

From tailored suits to modern streetwear, the winger has developed a signature look that blends athletic confidence with sharp fashion choices.

His influence has extended online too. On TikTok, Mapimpi regularly shares outfit “fit checks,” turning his account into a hub for fans looking for style inspiration.

The clips often rack up thousands of views, with followers praising his effortless mix of elegance and casual cool.

Social media shows the love

When Mapimpi announced the launch, he shared a heartfelt message online about embracing new challenges.

“Here’s to new beginnings. To stepping into rooms you’ve never been in. To building something from scratch,” he wrote.

The response from fans and fellow players was immediate.

Siya Kolisi, captain of the Springboks, publicly congratulated his teammate, writing: “You’ve worked hard. Well done!”

Supporters flooded the comments with encouragement.

One user wrote that Mapimpi was showing younger players that “there’s life after rugby.” Another praised the brand’s designs and urged him to keep “flying high.”

The reaction highlights how deeply South Africans connect with Mapimpi’s story, not just as a sports star, but as someone who embodies perseverance.

Fashion advice that resonates

Interestingly, Mapimpi has long spoken about the power of presentation, even when money is tight.

One piece of advice he once shared with fans has become widely quoted online:

“We’re not rich yet, but we look like it. Take care of yourself.”

It’s a philosophy that perfectly aligns with the ethos behind elevè: confidence, effort and pride in how you present yourself.

A future beyond rugby

While Mapimpi continues to shine on the field for the Sharks and the Springboks, the clothing label hints at a long-term vision that stretches beyond rugby.

Many South African athletes have started exploring business ventures while still active in sport, recognising that careers on the field can be short.

For Mapimpi, fashion seems like a natural extension of his personality, something he has been building quietly for years.

With elevè now officially launched, the winger isn’t just chasing tries anymore.

He’s also chasing a legacy, one that shows young South Africans that where you start doesn’t define where you can go.

Source: IOL

Featured Image: DConnectNews

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