Sanlam to boost SA’s fashion journalism

The Sanlam SA Fashion Journalism Awards will recognise journalism in two categories – for fashion writing and fashion editing. Each category winner will receive a substantial cash reward and an opportunity to visit Paris to coincide with Paris Fashion Week 2008 to the value of R25 000 each.

“Fashion is often regarded as a frivolous topic and it thus tends to receive superficial coverage. In reality it is a highly competitive multibillion dollar global supply chain and lifestyle business. With our local textile and manufacturing industries under siege, Sanlam feels it is appropriate to make a contribution in raising awareness of local talent. We also wish to reward excellence in fashion journalism,” says Themba Gamedze, chief executive: group marketing and communications-designate of Sanlam.

Business of fashion

The award will recognise journalists who produce articles on the business of fashion including the employment potential of the industry, profiles on people in fashion and articles written about fashion trends or events. In short, it will reward journalists who write with passion as well as an in-depth knowledge of the industry, according to the judging criteria set. In recognition of the increasingly important role of internet-based journalism, both print and internet material will be eligible.

“The new Sanlam SA Fashion Journalism Awards will, in many ways, be a supplement to Sanlam’s current and very successful Sanlam Award for Excellence in Financial Journalism which is now in its 33rd year, as well as the Awards for Community Press, now in its 15th year,” he says.

“The Sanlam brand focuses on tailor-made solutions for the individual. As a truly South African company this sponsorship consolidates our position in the industry as a company that takes the lead in innovative and customised solutions.”

One prize will be awarded for fashion writing, based on a report or feature that covers a specific fashion event, personality, trend or business element. To be considered for the prize it will need to be newsworthy, insightful and interesting with a thorough understanding of the industry, published between 1 July 2006 and 30 June 2007.

Fashion editing

The other prize will be awarded for fashion editing based on a good balance between consumer information on a fashion trend or item and the ability to communicate the inspiration behind the creation. Here the criteria will be visual impact, innovative photography and layout and general creativity, as well as relevance of the garments for the publication and how this information is communicated to the consumer. Material for consideration will need to be published between 1 July 2006 and 30 June 2007.

The panel of judges will be: Professor Lizette Rabe, head of the Journalism Faculty at Stellenbosch University; Khanyi Dhlomo, former True Love editor; Jacquie Myburgh-Chemaly, former editor of Elle SA; Nkensani Nkosi, creative director of Stoned Cherrie; and well-known fashion commentator Dion Chang (convener).

Endorsing the value of the award, Professor Rabe said, “If journalism is ‘history in a hurry’, then lifestyle journalism represents the social constructs of our time. Specifically fashion journalism is a reflection of the social capital of a period, and represents the hopes, moods and aspirations of humanity within a certain period.”

“Sanlam believes that the South African fashion scene offers truly amazing opportunities for our own talent to be celebrated. We hope that this award will ultimately play a part to make the world sit up and take notice,” says Gamedze.

Entry forms will be distributed during April. The deadline for all submission is Monday 9 July 2007. The winners will be announced on Saturday, 1 September, at a gala event in Sandton.

For more information, contact Elena at on +27 (0)21 947 3358.