Fashion journalism awards shortlist

The short lists are:

Fashion writing:

• Adam Levin – Finding Our Icons – Elle
  
• Dominique Herman – Import Quotas Beginning to Bear Fruits – The Cape Times
  
• Dylan Muhlenberg – Sneaker Pimps – GQ
  
• Hilary Prendini Toffoli: Rag Trade Fights Back – Pursuit
  
• Tamara Rothbart – The New Style Democracy – Elle

Fashion editing:

• Arthur Malan – Horse Play – GQ
  
• Gisele Hon – Stille Nagte – Rooi Rose
  
• Jackie Burger – Bathing Beauties – Elle
  
• Sadie Cragg – The Golf Club – Marie Claire
  
• Shaldon Kopman – Welcome Home – Tribute

The judging panel comprised Professor Lizette Rabe, head of the Journalism Faculty at Stellenbosch University, Khanyi Dhlomo, former editor of True Love and currently MD of Ndalo Media and founding editor/publisher of Destiny magazine, Jacquie Muyburgh-Chemaly, columnist and former editor of Elle SA, Nkensani Nkosi, creative director of Stoned Cherrie, and fashion commentator and convenor, Dion Chang.

Each category winner will receive a cash prize and an opportunity to visit Paris to coincide with Paris Fashion Week 2008 to the value of R25 000 each.

A substantial number of entries were received in both categories, according to Chang.

“We were particularly delighted to received a higher than expected number of entries in the writing category. While there is a tradition of recognising fashion editing, the Sanlam award is the first accolade to recognise written journalism about the fashion industry. We were particularly gratified that entries in this category ranged from business articles examining bottom line issues to articles exploring the socio-cultural environment of fashion,” he said.

Often regarded as frivolous

According to Themba Gamedze, chief executive: group marketing and communications of Sanlam, fashion is often regarded as a frivolous topic which, as a result, receives 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 believes it is appropriate to contribute to raising awareness of local talent by encouraging high calibre reportage,” he said.

The new Sanlam SA Fashion Journalism Awards will also supplement the company's 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 said.