More than a year after his passing, Kobe Bryant’s Mamba legacy continues to live through Vanessa.
To mark what would have been her daughter Gianna Bryant’s 15th birthday, Vanessa Bryant, the widow of the late NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, announced the launch of the Mambacita apparel line on Friday, April 30.Â
Mambacita went on sale during the teen basketball star’s birthday last Saturday, and by early afternoon, the brand’s stocks already sold out.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIGI! It is with great pride that we honor Gianna ‘Gigi’ Bryant’s bright spirit, joie de vivre and love for supporting strong women on this very special day,” one of the posts by DANNIJO, the women-led manufacturers of Mambacita, read.
“Her passion, warmth and kindness continue to remain in our hearts and minds and continue to guide Lil MAMBACITAS and Lady Mambas throughout the world.”
Kobe and Gianna Bryant figured in a deadly helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, that left nine people dead in Southern California.
Bryant’s posts on Instagram indicated that all proceeds will go to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation which Vanessa Bryant started after the accident. The non-profit aims to create a positive impact for underserved athletes and young women in sports.
Gianna, or “Gigi” as she was affectionately called, was also nicknamed “Mambacita,” following in the footsteps of her father’s “Black Mamba” moniker on the hardcourt. Gigi’s number 2 is also a prominent symbol among the limited edition tie-dye sweat sets, a nod to the jersey number she wore when she played soccer as a kid, and then as a member of Harbor Day School’s youth basketball team.
A two-piece adult sweat set came in a black-and-white tie-dye design mixed with Mambacita purple sold for $332 while adult hoodies were priced at $224. Face masks were also sold out at $24.
The announcement of the apparel line came two weeks after the late Los Angeles Lakers baller’s estate parted ways with Nike last April. Vanessa Bryant has also applied for 13 different trademarks related to the Mamba and Mambacita banner, suggesting the desire to build brands around Kobe and Gianna’s legacy.
