“The brand’s name Gouf symbolises creativity in all forms. Whether it’s fashion, music, art, or graphic design, Gouf Republic embraces all expressions of creativity. You as a creator are Gouf,” says founder Rethabile Basupang, explaining that the brand’s slogan, ‘BeGoufFeelGoufBecomeTheGouf,’ is all about living confidently and unapologetically in one’s true self. Basupang, who is completing his graphic design studies at Limkokwing University, launched Gouf Republic with a simple t-shirt design in 2020, which marked the beginning of a journey that blends streetwear with graphic design.
“The first item I released was a t-shirt with ‘GOUFrep’ text printed on the chest, and I followed it up with a series of graphic hoodies that I had designed myself,” he recalls. Since then, the brand has continued to evolve, with each piece of clothing telling its own story. What sets Gouf Republic apart is its emphasis on authenticity and individuality. “I design for myself and for those who appreciate the brand,” Basupang says. “The people who love the brand are often individuals who dare to chase their dreams, despite the odds. This mentality is woven into the fabric of the brand, where each design serves as a reflection of personal values and beliefs, with no design ever looking the same,” he explains. Basupang’s love for fashion and design began early. Growing up in Thamaga, he was drawn to bold, statement making clothing. “My mom would buy me Truckfit, snake-skin caps, and old-school Vans,” he says. His exposure to global fashion through the internet helped him connect with streetwear culture, eventually discovering figures like Virgil Abloh, whose influence shaped his approach to design. “When I started making my own clothes, I realised I had been unknowingly identifying with streetwear,” he explains. “It helped me put a name to what I had been wearing for years, something we call ‘bokhete’ and ‘bocheki’ here,” he added.
