NEXT GEN - Fashion Prodigy

YOUNG AND TALENTED, THE LOCAL FASHION ENTHUSIAST KNOWN AS MACC GEE STEPS INTO THE CLUBX STUDIO TO GIVE US THE LOW-DOWN ON HIS CAREER THUS FAR

- CHARNDRÉ EMMA KIPPPIE

BORN WITH STYLE

Born in Burgersfort, Limpopo, Lesedi Riba - who South Africa has come to know as the dope fashionista Macc Gee - grew up in a small developing village with his two siblings and parents. As a young boy with big dreams of someday becoming a footballer, he attended Capricorn High School and Northern Academy, spending much of his free time playing club and school football.

'It was hard finding mentors growing up because when you are born into a very cultured and traditional setup, fashion is not given the limelight,' he explains.

'I had to seek most of my inspo from soccer players, although I had a couple of family members who had a good sense of style.

I never really got much mentoring growing up, but I believe doing life with my older brother, Benny, helped me through situations; he gave me guidance when I needed it most.' Despite a keen interest in soccer, Macc Gee knew that style and fashion was his calling. From as far back as I can remember, this journey in fashion has felt almost inherent... The signs have always been there,' he says. However, it became most clear when I ventured into sourcing clothes at a very young age for friends. This was possible for me because my brother was based in Joburg at the time. So I had access to a wide variety of exclusive apparel.'

QUICK-FIRE Q&A WHO IS THE MOST MEMORABLE PERSON IN THE INDUSTRY THAT YOU'VE WORKED WITH?

This is a particularly emotional one for me because I was recently working with one of my biggest inspirations for quite some time, Riky Rick.