Lebo Malope is steadily making his mark on the global fashion stage. The South African model has walked for some of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses, including Louis Vuitton, Maison Margiela, JW Anderson, Fendi, and KidSuper, and continues to grow his presence with each season. He is also a recurring face in MaXhosa Africa’s Paris Fashion Week showcases, bringing the essence of South African creativity to international audiences. With striking features and effortless poise, Malope commands attention on every runway. In January, he shared a gratitude Instagram post reflecting on his sixth time walking for Louis Vuitton. When asked about reaching this milestone, he said, “I feel very special. They take care of me and make sure I am well.”
Born and raised in Limpopo but spending much of his childhood between Limpopo and Pretoria, Lebo was inspired by his older brother, Denetric Malope. “It’s my brother who made sure I got scouted abroad,” he says. Denetric has been a constant source of guidance and coaching for Lebo, especially in their younger years, when training took place in the living room of their family home. From practicing runway walks to perfecting his posture and presence, Denetric helped shape the fundamentals that would eventually take Lebo global. A TikTok video posted by Denetric shows him coaching his brother on Lebo’s first day in Paris on June 6, 2022 – a full-circle moment built on all those sessions back home in South Africa.
Early in his journey, Lebo received crucial guidance from his brother. “I got modelling lessons from my brother, and from then I was alright because in my free time I’d practice, but my brother made things easier for me,” he shares. “When I got into modelling, I was scared and anxious because I didn’t know what was happening. But with the help of my brother, he made things better.” This early support was instrumental in building his confidence and grounding his career.
Zoya Nkosi, Show Producer of the AW25 MaXhosa Africa Paris Show and the MXS Kulture Festival Fashion Showcase, describes Lebo as quiet but very interesting once you get to know him. She praises his striking features, calling his cheekbones “made by the gods.” She adds, “He has an interesting face, and you can tell that he is passionate about modelling. He puts a lot of effort into it; it’s not just a hobby. It’s a craft and a skill. For him, it’s not just a walk or a photo, it’s an actual skill.” Zoya entrusted Lebo to open the runway and lead the other models, recognising his poise and reliability, especially given the complexity of the show’s choreography. She trusted him to set the tone and guide the flow, a responsibility that speaks to the confidence she has in his abilities.
For Lebo, representing South Africa on the global stage carries a lot of meaning. “It’s very important because I’m putting my motherland on the map,” he says. “When I work, I have to do my best to make everyone proud.” When asked about challenges in his career, Lebo admits that like any profession, modelling has its ups and downs. “I don’t have many expectations; I just keep believing in myself,” he says.
When it comes to his personal sense of style and wardrobe, Lebo shares, “My style has changed because I had to tone it like a model to really show that I’m one, so I had to change my wardrobe since I chose a stylish career.” On how he mentally and physically prepares for shows, he says, “I just pray about everything and am always positive.”
Modelling goes beyond walking the runway; it requires mental resilience and physical discipline. Lebo’s routine of prayer and maintaining a positive mindset shows how staying grounded can help manage the pressures of international shows and constant travel. His story reflects the growing presence of South African talent on global fashion stages and serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring models from Limpopo and beyond, proving that with dedication and self-belief, success is within reach.
His journey highlights the vital role that family support can play in navigating a demanding and competitive industry. Having his brother Denetric not only as an inspiration but also as a mentor helped Lebo face the challenges and uncertainties of modelling. This close guidance gave him both emotional strength and practical advice to build his confidence and career.
Lebo’s experience shows that confidence, family backing, and staying true to yourself can take you far. As he continues to break boundaries and shine on international runways, his path serves as a powerful reminder of the talent emerging from South Africa and the promise of a bright future shaped by dedication, family, and unwavering self-belief.
When asked about his dreams and goals, Lebo admits he has ambitions he’s still working on and isn’t quite ready to share just yet. But with his talent and support system, it’s clear this is only the beginning – and we can expect to see much more from him as he continues to make his mark in the fashion world.
