Mambo
Caprice Australia · Australia
Mambo is an Australian surfwear and casualwear brand founded in Sydney in 1984 by Dare Jennings. Known for irreverent artist designed graphics, it sells clothing, swimwear and surf accessories and is owned by Caprice Australia.
| Founded | 1984 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Dare Jennings |
| Base | Alexandria, Sydney |
| Owner | Caprice Australia (since 2019) |
| Known artists | Reg Mombassa, Richard Allan |
| Website | mambo.cc |
What is Mambo?
Mambo is an Australian clothing brand founded in 1984 by Dare Jennings, with business partner Andrew Rich, as an after hours project. Based in Alexandria, Sydney, it became one of the most recognisable names in Australian surf and street culture.
History
Mambo built its identity around commissioned artwork. Artists including Reg Mombassa, Richard Allan, Jodi Phillis, Robert Williams and Ben Frost created the graphics that defined its T-shirts and shirts. The brand later changed hands several times: the Nervous Investor Group bought it in 2008, US company Saban Brands acquired it in 2015, and family run Caprice Australia took it over in July 2019.
Products and positioning
- Graphic T-shirts and loud printed shirts
- Swimwear and wetsuits
- Casual wear and streetwear
- Surfing accessories
Distribution
Mambo is sold in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, among other markets.
Why it matters
Mambo demonstrated early how art and humour could be the core of a fashion brand rather than decoration. Its many ownership changes also illustrate the life cycle of heritage surf labels as they move between founders, investors and licensing focused owners.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Mambo?
Mambo was founded in Sydney in 1984 by Dare Jennings, together with business partner Andrew Rich.
Who owns Mambo now?
Mambo has been owned by the family run company Caprice Australia since July 2019.