At just 18 and a long way from Limpopo, Lebo Malope is making his mark on the global runway. Recently, he walked for none-other-than Louis Vuitton.
Paris, France (22 June, 2023)—After turning 18 just last week, Lebo Malope has already made moves that define a career in modelling. Hailing from Elandskraal in Limpopo, the young South African has come a long way from home, having recently walked a historic runway for Louis Vuitton.
After the passing of Virgil Abloh—the ‘designer of progress’ who redefined what black creativity in fashion meant as Louis Vuitton’s first black creative director—all eyes and ears were on the ground as to who would step into his legacy.
Pharrell Williams was eventually given the challenge, debuting his first collection for LV earlier this week at the Men’s Spring/Summer SS 24.
Malope was given the opportunity to walk the runway for this iconic passing of the baton, making for a proud fashion-loving community in South Africa.
“I cannot express how grateful I am to be part of this monumental moment in history,” Malope shared of the experience.
Many South Africans relished in Malope’s moment. “Well done South African brother,” wrote one user. Another shared, “We as a country…we are super proud of you.”
This isn’t Malope’s first time walking iconic runways either, having strutted for other luxury brands like FENDI and Valentino.
Malope follows in his brother Denetric’s footsteps, who is a handful of years older than his little brother and has also walked numerous iconic stages. Together, the two made South Africa enormously proud earlier this year at Milan’s Spring Fashion Week.
Of the South African brothers stepping into fashion’s global eye together, Denetric shared with GQ:
“Walking side by side with my little brother was my ultimate dream… we couldn’t believe what we’d talked about in our living room was happening on one of the world’s biggest stages. It was just so beautiful.”