Nelson Mandela Inspires Clothing Line, 46664 Apparel

Celebrities, athletes and even the occasional political child find themselves inspiring or posing for clothing lines. But state leaders and anti-apartheid activists? Not so much.

But Nelson Mandela has indeed inspired a clothing line, called 46664 Apparel. Women's Wear Daily reports that the brand's intention is to become South Africa's first "global apparel brand," boosting the country's ailing clothing industry by manufacturing locally -- and sustainably.

The line, which will include focus on men's but will offer women's as well, is entirely designed in South Africa and feature distinct African touches, from "shweshwe-print shirts" to African color schemes.

The name, however, is the most locally meaningful: 46664 was Mandela's prison ID number when he was jailed at Robben Island, beginning in 1964. He was imprisoned until 1990.

WWD writes that as 46664 Apparel expands, there are tentative plans to collaborate with other designers... including, rumors say, Stella McCartney.

Which is just about the only thing that could make us more excited about this already amazing line.

Head to WWD.com to read more and to see promo photos of the collection.