Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, to launch ‘Mambacita’ clothing line
FILE PHOTO: 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party – Arrivals – Beverly Hills, California, U.S., 04/03/2018 – Kobe Bryant holds his Oscar for Best Animated Short, with wife Vanessa. REUTERS/Danny Moloshok
MANILA, Philippines — Vanessa Bryant, widow of Kobe Bryant, announced she is launching the Mambacita clothing line Saturday on what would have been the 15th birthday of her daughter Gianna, who died along with the NBA legend in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020.
Vanessa Bryant made the announcement on her Instagram account, which came just several weeks after the Kobe Bryant estate and Nike decided not to renew their longtime partnership.
“In honor of my Gigi’s 15th birthday,” she posted Friday. “100% of the proceeds go to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.”
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Gianna’s nickname was “Mambacita,” which was derived from Kobe’s “Black Mamba” moniker.
Vanessa Bryant also said the collection will be available in unisex and kids’ sizes as well.
According to a report, Vanessa and the Kobe Bryant estate “had grown frustrated with Nike” for limiting the availability of Kobe products during his retirement and after his death as well as the lack of availability of footwear in kids’ sizes.
“My hope will always be to allow Kobe’s fans to get and wear his products,” Vanessa Bryant said on ending the partnership with Nike. “I will continue to fight for that. Kobe’s products sell out in seconds. That says everything.”
