Vanessa Bryant Celebrates Late Daughter Gianna’s 18th Birthday With Capsule Collection

Vanessa Bryant reveals a special edition of the Nike Kobe 8 in honor of what would have been her daughter Gianna Bryant‘s 18th birthday. Teased on Instagram leading up to the Wednesday (May 1) release, the sneaker is aptly named the “Mambacita.”

Per The Grio, the design features butterfly graphics, paying tribute to Gianna’s “transformational impact.” Additionally, it features the late basketball player’s jersey number, her nickname, and a heart, an angel, and “Mambacita” stitched onto the inside of the shoe. 

“Gigi changed the game. Forever,” shared Nike in an Instagram post. “On 5.1 we celebrate Gianna ‘Gigi’ Bryant’s 18th birthday and the transformational impact she had on highlighting women’s sports with the release of the Kobe 8 Protro ‘Mambacita.’”

Proceeds from the sneakers will benefit the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.

In a separate post from Vanessa Bryant, the mother of four shared an emotional tribute to Gianna, set to The Temptations “My Girl.” The post included photos and videos featuring touching moments of the family.

“Happy birthday to my gorgeous girl, Gigi! I love you. I miss you. I’m so proud of you,” wrote the 41-year-old. “2024 was your year. You would’ve been graduating high school and choosing which college to go to. (I would’ve been trying my hardest to convince you to stay close to home). I’m proud of the change in sports you and daddy worked so hard on. You continue to motivate me and inspire young women and girls daily. I love you always, mommy.”

In January 2020, Gianna, her father Kobe Bryant, and several others died in a tragic helicopter crash. In March 2023, Vanessa Bryant was awarded $28.5 million settlement from Los Angeles County in a lawsuit over images shared from the accident.