#EntrepreneurMonth: Discovering young designers with the SAFW New Talent Search
18 Oct 2017
South African Fashion Week (SAFW) will be showcasing 53 2018 autumn/winter collections at the Sandton City Rooftop in Johannesburg on 24 October 2017. Kicking off the week is the Sunglass Hut New Talent Search, an initiative to help jump start the careers of aspiring fashion design entrepreneurs.
The Talent Show has been running for 19 years and has helped establish the careers of illustrious designers such as Jacques van der Watt of Black Coffee, Maya Prass and David Tlale. This year the talent search features eight start-up designer semi-finalists who will compete on the night. The prizes include; representation by The Fashion Agent for one year, the opportunity to show a satellite collection as part of the SA Fashion Week New Talent Search AW18, a free stand at the SA Fashion Week Pop-Up Shop 2018 in Brooklyn Mall and an all expense paid trip to London Fashion Week in February 2018.
We got in touch with SAFW director Lucilla Booyzen to find out more.
Lucilla Booyzen - Image sourced from gq.co.za
What have been some of the past success stories regarding the New Talent Search?
Established by SA Fashion Week in 1998, the New Talent Search is one of the most recognised talent identification initiatives in South Africa and continues to showcase and market new designer businesses today.
This premium competition has been sponsored by Sunglass Hut since 2015. Since its inception in 1998 it has brought out success stories: Jacques van der Watt of Black Coffee, Terrence Bray, Cleo Droomer, Maya Prass, Roman Handt, David Tlale, Anmari Honiball, Carina Louw from ERRE, Samantha Constable, Lisa Jaffe, Jenevieve Lyons and most recently design duo Amy and James of LUMIN.
All of the above-mentioned designers are success stories. They all supply stores and online stores and/or have their own stores.
How would you say the current crop of designers are shaping fashion moving forward? The current crop of designers are on trend, fashion forward, they design with the end consumer in mind, they know luxury and they know the business of fashion.
AW18 semi-finalists:
AGEO by Arnold Phasha
Danielle Frylinck
I Just Am.
Ipikoko
Kentse Masilo
Mmusomaxwell
Liu Liu
Is there a general trend or common theme amongst the eight designers?The focus is on design, construction, fabrication, modernity, perfection, sustainability and workmanship.
What advice would you give to budding fashion design entrepreneurs?
Learn the business of fashion, put your ego aside, travel, go to art galleries, museums, operas, ballets, watch old and new films, walk the streets to see what people are wearing, listen to a variety of music, research, know the world designers, know the African designers, know the designers in South Africa, know your industry, know your competition and know yourself.
What are some of the challenges and opportunities for young designers working in South Africa? The young designers lack in-depth knowledge of the industry, in-depth knowledge of design, in-depth knowledge of their clients/consumer, research, and staying power.
South Africa is a country of opportunities but again you cannot play in an industry if you do not have the knowledge to do so.
The Sunglass Hut New Talent Search takes place at the Sandton City Rooftop, Sandton Drive on the 24 October 2017 at 6pm. Tickets are available via www.safashionweek.co.za
Connect with South African Fashion Week via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Contact az.oc.keewnoihsafas@aidem or call 011 442 7812 for more information.
