Behind The Brand With Annelize Kotze of MOVEPRETTY Athleisure

What happens when a fashion designer and a professional triathlete come together? An athleisure brand that moves well while still being pretty. Enter MOVEPRETTY, a proudly South African brand of stylish activewear for women.

“Mari is a double Olympian, she knows what it takes for a garment to fit well and be functional. I [Annelize] make sure it looks pretty too”.

MOVEPRETTY Athleisure was founded in 2015 by Annelize Kotze and Mari Rabi, after noticing a gap in the local market for activewear that was both functional and fashionable. They started out with just four styles including the very first item they made – The Zepant, an ultra-short tight that is still popular 5 years later. Those four pieces quickly became popular and they grew by listening to customer requests and designing ranges based on demand. To date they’ve developed over 250 unique styles and patterns which include a kiddie’s range, a maternity range and accessories.

Annelize describes MOVEPRETTY as a proudly South African brand of stylish activewear for women. The proudly South African is not just a cute tag line. All their designs are created and produced locally. As a company that believes in providing work and boosting the local economy, as well as paying fair wages and rates, they actively choose to work with local photographers, stylists and graphic designers. Buying a MOVEPRETTY item is more than a fashion statement, it’s a direct way to support local designers, workers and because everything is produced locally, a way to decrease your carbon footprint.

How old is MOVEPRETTY Athleisure?

5 years

What inspired you to start MOVEPRETTY Athleisure?  

When my business partner, Mari Rabie, a professional Olympic athlete, was studying for her MBA overseas, she realised that there were so many beautiful active wear brands available to purchase, but these brands weren’t available in South Africa yet. After doing research as part of a Retail Project, she confirmed that there was a gap in the market. [We] decided to put our forces together and start making a few pieces to test the market.

What has been your favourite part of the business?

The way that it has surprised me around every corner with new opportunities. The creativity and the styled shoots.

What has been the most challenging part?

Being an entrepreneur means things are very unpredictable, and you have less security. You also have to set your own boundaries and rules to ensure that your business does not take over your life, or the lives of the people in your life.

What’s your favourite must have MOVEPRETTY piece?

Our Spot Me Fold over leggings – it has the most comfy fit ever!

How do you keep fit and healthy?

I believe in balance and listening to my body. I train three times a week and always make sure that it is something I really enjoy.

What role do you think fitness has in empowering and uplifting women?

It is super important to prioritise your health, and your own me-time – as the results are so rewarding. It boosts your immune system, allows you to handle stress better and ensures you stay happy & healthy to be the best version of yourself in other areas of your life.

What’s the first item someone embarking on a new fitness routine should invest in?

A pair of our leggings, it’s an investment piece you can wear anywhere, at anytime.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve gotten?

Learn to go with the flow of your life, and not constantly fight against it.

What is your current beauty obsession?

Smudge free matt lipstick.

What is your current food obsession?

Anything umami.

What is your go to easy meal?

Cheese on a cracker or stone ground bread or with avo, lemon & black pepper.

Never leave home without…

Sunscreen.

After a hard day I…

Enjoy a glass of wine and relax with a good book.

Product that changed my life

Lamelle Skin Care products.

Favourite way to move my body

Pilates.

Best budget tip

Start experimenting with new recipes. Home cooking saves you so much on the long run, plus it is so much fun to develop a new hobby.

Favourite Book

Steve Jobs Biography.

Favourite Healthy eating spot in your city

Genki Sushi.