By Sizakele Nduli
Candice du Preez from Paarl in the Western Cape may be the newest player in the hosiery scene with her brand, Ellegro Lively Legwear, but she is already staking her claim. Her product line includes long pantyhose, which she admits are seasonal, as well as the “Peek-a-bow” socks she introduced last year. On top of that, Du Preez is preparing to launch a new pair of sheer ankle socks in black, white and beige, which are highly anticipated by her customers.
Du Preez, who registered her business last year, spoke to Vutivi News about why she decided to open her company. She spoke about how rarely people addressed the challenges of living abroad, sharing her personal experiences of loneliness and temporary friendships. After spending 13 years abroad, nearly four of which were in China, Du Preez found joy in shopping for clothes and shoes. When she discovered patterned stockings, she was inspired to establish her business. “I decided to get to work while I was abroad, getting in touch with the one and only hosiery manufacturer in South Africa,” she said.
“I bought clothing now and then when I found something that fitted well. I have always [had] fit legs and so I bought far more shoes in general. And then I discovered patterned stockings and it was a wrap,” Du Preez explained. She believes that there is a growing demand for her products. “I think the product’s price point also tempers sales and as I add more products to the line-up, I can implement a tiered pricing model to make it accessible to people with different budgets,” Du Preez said.
Her products are available in sizes M to 3XL, promoting inclusivity. The 40-year-old named her business after her mother’s middle name, which means ‘lively’ in Italian and represents the vibrant essence of the brand. Du Preez stated that her business came together with ease, thanks to Gird Power, the activewear brand for plus-size individuals that she founded prior to her pattern hosiery business. However, she also acknowledged the challenge of getting her brand noticed.
The ‘one-woman show’, as she referred to herself, financed her business entirely from her own funds. She also mentioned that her products were manufactured by Falke, a German-owned brand that established a manufacturing plant in South Africa. “I have an idea and I send it to my manufacturing partner who tells me if they can do it or not. What I love about them is they have really come around to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with me,” she added.
Her products are available in three shops – Therapy Boutique in Cape Town, and Karibosana and No Plan B in Johannesburg. The unique packaging is from recycled materials. “This year, with the new products launching soon, the packaging will change to something different. #lookgoodfeelgood is infused into everything the brand does and packaging is the first thing you see, and I want to evoke curiosity and delight,” Du Preez said.
