Inside the Patrick Mavros & Siya Kolisi Collaboration

Image: Candice Bodington

It’s not every day you see a world-class athlete trade in the usual playbook of sports drinks and sneakers for something as refined as fine jewellery. But that’s exactly what Siya Kolisi has done, and it’s precisely why this collaboration with Patrick Mavros feels so significant.

Lifestyle collaborations are still fairly new territory for African athletes. We’re used to seeing them front campaigns for activewear or high-performance brands, not co-create pieces of wearable art. So when the Springbok captain lends his name, and story, to a handcrafted silver cuff, it signals something different—Something deeper.

This isn’t just about style. It’s about purpose, identity, and rewriting the narrative around what athletes can stand for outside their sport. In teaming up with a heritage jewellery house known for its symbolism and storytelling, Kolisi is reminding us that strength doesn’t always come from the field, it can also be shaped in silver.

Why This Collaboration Matters

Image of Siya Kolisi & Patrick Mavros Jnr by Candice Bodington

We’re in an era where storytelling is everything. Whether it’s in fashion, music, or the way we decorate our homes, people are craving meaning behind the things they wear and own. Jewellery, in particular, has become a canvas for identity, less about decoration, more about declaration.

That’s why this collaboration lands so powerfully. The cuff isn’t just beautiful, it’s intentional. From the choice of metal to the etchings that run along its surface, every detail carries a message. Jewellery, when done right, becomes something you wear on your body and your spirit.

This piece stands for something lasting. It taps into heritage, honours personal and collective history, and it sparks conversation. 

Meet the Collaborators

First up, Siya Kolisi: more than just the Springbok captain and rugby legend. He’s a global icon for unity and resilience, someone who’s used his platform to uplift communities beyond the sports field. His journey from humble beginnings to leading South Africa’s team to victory resonates far beyond rugby, making him the perfect partner for a project rooted in legacy and purpose.

Image of Siya Kolisi by Candice Bodington

Behind the scenes is the Kolisi Foundation, a powerhouse in its own right. The Foundation’s mission to empower disadvantaged communities adds real depth to this collaboration. This isn’t just a celebrity tie-in; it’s a partnership with a purpose-led organisation that’s actively creating change.

On the other side, you have Patrick Mavros: a luxury jewellery house steeped in African heritage and storytelling. Founded by a family that’s been crafting pieces across generations, Patrick Mavros is known for marrying timeless craftsmanship with symbols of African pride. Alexander and Patrick Jr., the creative forces behind this cuff, bring their passion for design and culture to every piece they make.

Image of Patrick Mavros Jnr by Ariana Erlank

Their previous work echoes this ethos; jewellery that doesn’t just adorn but tells stories of identity, history, and artistry. This collaboration continues that legacy, blending sport, culture, and craftsmanship into something truly unique.

The Cuff: Concept, Craft and Meaning

This wasn’t a quick collaboration. It was an intentional act of storytelling through metal; one rooted in African identity, symbolism, and emotional resonance.

“We explored a few forms,” Patrick Mavros Jr. explains, “but a cuff felt right – it’s strong, sculptural, and unisex. The design lines mirror the upward and outward motion of the Kolisi emblem, with a subtle nod to the South African flag’s geometry. The idea was to blend symbolism with simplicity, creating a piece that speaks without shouting.”

The creative process was equally deliberate. “It started with rough sketches,” he says, “exploring how we could bring the Kolisi Foundation’s identity into form. Once we had a few initial concepts, we shared them with Siya and the team, and his feedback was incredibly gracious and collaborative. From there, we moved to wax models, casting, and hand-finishing in our Zimbabwe studio. Every stage was considered and carefully crafted. It took time, but that was the point… it needed to feel right.”

Image by Ariana Erlank

What emerged is more than just a piece of jewellery, it’s a message in silver. “This cuff holds emotional weight,” Patrick Jr. says. “It’s not only a piece of jewellery, but a piece of purpose. It reflects our shared African identity and tells a story of unity and resilience, and not just through design, but through action. The fact that it supports the Kolisi Foundation and was born out of a genuine human connection makes it particularly personal for us as a family and as a brand.”

From concept to casting, every decision was intentional. Sterling silver, described by Patrick as “honest, grounding, and enduring”, wasn’t just a design choice; it was a value statement.

Insights from the Collaboration

What started as a simple gesture quickly turned into something more meaningful. “We sent Siya a Zim Bangle for Father’s Day last year,” Alexander Mavros recalls. “It wasn’t part of some PR plan, in fact, we didn’t even realise it would arrive on his birthday. It was just a gesture of admiration.” But that moment sparked a connection. A conversation turned into a relationship, built on mutual respect and shared values: family, legacy, upliftment, and craftsmanship. “There was no strategy,” he says, “just alignment.”

From there, the collaboration unfolded organically, not rushed, not forced. As Patrick Jr. explained, “It began with the Kolisi Foundation’s logo. There’s something incredibly powerful in its simplicity. I was drawn to how it echoes the South African flag and what that represents: hope, unity, and resilience.” The design process was thoughtful and slow by design, involving wax sketches, refinements, and close collaboration with Siya himself. “His feedback was incredibly gracious and collaborative.” 

And for the Mavros family, it was about more than aesthetic success. It was about intention. “We hope it’s seen as a quiet statement,” Alexander continued. “A belief in change, in legacy, and in giving back. For our collectors, it’s something to wear with pride, knowing it plays a part in something bigger.”

Closing the Circle

In the end, the Kolisi Cuff is more than just a collaboration between a jewellery house and a sporting legend. It's a conversation between craft and cause, heritage and hope. It stands as a physical symbol of shared values, stitched together by story and sincerity.

For now, it remains a singular creation. “At this stage, the Kolisi Cuff stands alone – intentionally so,” says Patrick Mavros Jr. “That said, our relationship with Siya and the Kolisi Foundation is a special one, and if future ideas arise organically, we would absolutely be open to exploring them in a meaningful way.”