Call to enter Sanlam Fashion Journalism Awards

"The fashion industry creates thousands of jobs and adds R37 billion to the country's gross domestic product annually. Despite this significant contribution, fashion is often treated as a frivolous topic that receives superficial treatment in the media,” says Nandi Scorer: head of group marketing of Sanlam.

“We believe that by supporting high calibre journalism in this area, we can actively stimulate interest and excitement around local production and contribute to boosting our industry."

Two categories

The Sanlam SA Fashion Awards recognises journalism in two categories – for fashion writing and fashion editing. The winners of each category receives a prize to the value of R25 000, each which will be applied for a trip to an international fashion week or trade fair for the winter 2009/10 season.

Endorsing the value of these awards, Professor Lizette Rabe, chair of the Journalism Faculty at Stellenbosch University and a 2007 judge, said, "If journalism is ‘history in a hurry', then lifestyle journalism represents the social constructs of our time. Fashion journalism specifically is a reflection of the social capital of a period, and represents the hopes, moods and aspirations of humanity within a certain period. Last year's entries demonstrated the vibrancy and excitement of the SA fashion industry in no uncertain manner and certainly set a bench market of excellence that can only bode well for the future of both journalism and fashion in this country."

The prize in the writing category will look for fashion coverage that is newsworthy, insightful and interesting, with a thorough understanding of the nuances and inner working of the industry and its key players. The style of writing, as well as the ability to clearly differentiate between fact and commentary, are other important considerations. The piece may be a report or a feature covering a specific fashion event, personality, trend or business element and published between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008.

Tamara Rothbart of Elle was the inaugural winner of this category in 2007.

Successful balancing

The fashion editing prize, won last year by Arthur Malan of GQ magazine, is based on the successful balancing of consumer information on a fashion trend or item and the ability to communicate the inspiration behind the creation.

Here the criteria include visual impact, innovative photography and layout and general creativity, as well as the relevance of the garments to the publication and how this information is communicated to the consumer. Material for consideration should have appeared between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008.

The 2008 judging panel is: Ferial Haffajee, editor of the Mail & Guardian; Laurice Taitz, digital editor of the Sunday Times; literary critic and 702 talk show host Jenny Crwys-Williams; Simphiwe Mpye, former editor of Blink magazine; and current media entrepreneur and fashion commentator and trends analyst Dion Chang (convener).

"The Sanlam SA Fashion Journalism Awards supplements our highly successful Award for Excellence in Financial Journalism, now in its 34rd, year as well as our 16-year old Awards for Community Press," Scorer says.

"The Sanlam brand hinges on tailor-making solutions for unique circumstances. Our sponsorship of the fashion industry therefore reflects our own respect for the power of innovation and individuality."

Entry forms

Entry forms will be distributed In March. The deadline for all submission is Monday, 14 July 2008. The winners will be announced at a gala event in Sandton on Saturday 30 August .

For more information, go to www.sanlam.co.za/eng/aboutus/sponsorships/fashion/awards/overview.htm.