Now in its second year, it was created to discover a young and aspiring style reporter that can capture fashion on the move, be it at a red-carpet event or a Saturday market and can blog and Tweet about it in an engaging, intelligent way.
"We are once again looking for that one blogger perfectly attuned to what's new on the streets and on the catwalks and someone who can spot a trend before anyone else," says editor Jackie Burger.
Apart from receiving a 12-month contract with the magazine and the opportunity to report for its website, the winner will also receive a monthly stipend of R5,000, a Fujifilm XF-1 camera and a BlackBerry Q5 and BlackBerry Z10 smartphone. In addition, a photography or desktop publishing course from Vega and the opportunity to be mentored by well-known photographer and head judge, Ed Suter.
With the title comes the opportunity for regular exposure in the magazine and on both sponsor's social media platforms and the chance to attend an international fashion week in 2014.
"We are looking for a talented young fashion blogger out there, one who really has a point of view that connects with the magazine's philosophy that there is no style without substance. The prize in collaboration with BlackBerry is therefore designed to give the winner everything possible to make a career in this competitive and fast-changing industry. Our hope is that this will ultimately help grow the next generation of fashion writers in South Africa."
BlackBerry's decision to collaborate with the magazine has given it the strategic opportunity to identify and nurture young online reporters and create a career opportunity. "Our association with the magazine for the Style Reporter 2012 was a success, so we are delighted to support the initiative again this year," says Alexandra Zagury, MD for South and Southern Africa for BlackBerry.
"With our focus on the youth market, on developing young South African talent and on delivering smartphones, this is a perfect platform for our brand. We hope that the smartphones we are providing will help South Africa's next hot fashion reporter to be productive and elegant as he or she reports on the latest fashion trends and news at home and abroad."
According to Ed Suter, street style photography is now an accepted medium that is imitated and replicated. "We would however love to see someone who can take the conventions of street style photography and bring their own personality to the images. It is going to take someone with a clear idea, a strong photographic eye and unlimited energy," says Suter. The next Style Reporter will have to maintain a sense of excitement and have his or her own distinctive style and some understanding of composition.
To enter, a new blog must be created and for the first post, street style at its most dynamic and exciting must be communicated. Entrants are free to choose any context but they will need to shoot and convey fashion on the move, drawing on creative ability and fashion knowledge. While originality and confidence are key, the post needs to be coherent and cohesive, as entrants will also be judged on writing and communication skills.
More information on the competition and entry details are in the August issue of ELLE that is on sale now.
