The competition is open to recently qualified designers. To enter, the designers have to create a women's wear collection of eight garments for Summer 2008/9. The theme for the competition is 'New Romance'.
The Awards aim to bring to the fore local up-and-coming young design talent in the South African fashion industry. The winner will get an opportunity to be exposed to the full retail cycle by means of a mentorship programme with Mr Price and will showcase a range at the 2009 South African Fashion Week (SAFW) ELLE New Talent show. The six finalists will also get an opportunity to showcase their work by exhibiting at the SAFW.
"We see this platform as a fantastic opportunity to discover new design potential in our country. Being a fashion retailer, we are in a position to be able to invest in and nurture young South African designers in a meaningful way. The nature of our business means that the winner will be exposed to the full retail cycle, therefore developing skills beyond just the design arena," says Joanne Coelho, trend executive for Mr Price.
"The Elle New Talent Awards has been the launch pad for many of South Africa's most exciting young designers, and we hope to continue contributing to the industry at grass roots level," said Elle's editor, Jackie Burger.
Previous winners of the competition include David Tlale, Frances Andrews (Library label) and last year's winner Tiaan Nagel.
Entries should be sent to the SA Fashion Week offices: 1st Floor, Design District, Corner Keys and 7th Avenue, Rosebank, 2196. For a more detailed brief visit www.ellemagazine.co.za.
Closing date for entries is Tuesday 17 June 2008 and the six finalists will be notified by telephone by 23 June.
