The first cut for Elle New Talent Awards 2008

4 Jul 2008

Six finalists have been chosen from a pool of 50 as Elle magazine, in partnership with Mr Price, narrows the search for this year's hottest new fashion talent during the first round of judging for the Elle New Talent Awards 2008.

Anisa Ami Mpungwe

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Khumo Mashimane

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Marize Malan, Robyn de Klerk, Tanya Demby, Anisa Ami Mpungwe, Stephan Marin and Khumo Mashimane have made the cut and will showcase their designs at the 2008 Sanlam South African Fashion Week (SAFW) Elle New Talent show on 27 August 2008. The final judging takes place on 26 August. The six finalists will also get an opportunity to exhibit their work during the SAFW which ends on 30 August.

The competition, open to recently qualified designers, exposed some very good talent according to one of the judges, trend analyst, Dion Chang.

The designers had to create a women's wear collection of eight garments for Summer 2008/9 under the theme 'New Romance'. "It was pleasing to see fresh ideas and the different interpretations of romance," Chang said.

The competition will for the first time give the winner an opportunity to be exposed to the full retail cycle through a mentorship programme with Mr Price.

"There was a lot of exciting, innovative and creative work coming through and we have no doubt that there is great new design potential in this country," said Joanne Coelho, trend manager for Mr Price, who is also judging the awards.

The competition has in past years brought to the fore talented local up-and-coming young design talent in the South Africa fashion industry. Previous winners include: David Tlale, Frances Andrews (Library label) and last year's winner Tiaan Nagel.