Mother City's Marize Malan is Elle's new top talent

Selected from seven finalists, Malan stood out among fellow contenders with her brilliant execution of the brief, workmanship and creativity of her range. Designers this year had to create a women's wear collection of eight garments for Winter 2009/10. The theme was ‘One World'. The entrants had to dig deep into their roots and heritage and draw from various influences across the globe.

“This year's competition was extremely tight as the level of skills and talent was almost evenly matched but in the end we had to choose someone with that little extra. Marize was the perfect choice because she is not only talented but ambitious, mature and ready to utilise the platform offered to catapult her career to the next level,” said trend analyst Dion Chang, one of the judges.

Fellow judge, African Mosaique founder and former international model Anna Getaneh said the wealth of talent reflected by the competition was immense, demonstrating massive potential for the finalists.

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A graduate of Fashion and Marketing from the Design School of Southern Africa in Rosebank, Malan impressed judges with her collection - a mixture of Indian saris and African tunics worn over westernised tight fitting stockings.

“Mr Price is passionate about nurturing new talent and we are confident that in Marize we have chosen someone who will utilise this opportunity to its fullest potential,” said Amber Jones, trend forecaster for Mr Price.

For winning, Malan will get an opportunity to re-design her own range to be sold in select Mr Price stores. She will also receive a full retail cycle mentorship with the fashion reatiler, as well a trip to London with its trend team. She will also be given publicity from Elle and an opportunity to showcase a range at the Sanlam SA Fashion Week 2010.

“What this competition seeks to do is bridge the gap between student level designers and those ready to launch their own labels. Marize has a specific signature which is complicated in design without being overdesigned,” said Elle's fashion director, Chris Viljoen who also judged the awards.