New 2014 Elle Rising Star competition winner

Photographer: Niquita Bento

She also receives a cash prize of R30,000 from MRP to help launch her career and the opportunity to complete a mentorship programme at its head office in Durban, where she will be exposed to the complete retail cycle. In addition, Dyson will join Elle for a two-week mentorship with the fashion team and its editor, Emilie Gambade and receive an extensive Regenesys Business School mentorship programme and business coaching. She will also have the opportunity to show at AFI Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Johannesburg in 2015 and receive R7,000 from MRP towards the cost of creating the range.

The theme of her winning collection was entitled 'Geometrics' and showcased contrasting textures, a combination of structural and fluid silhouettes with a neutral colour palette. Dyson says, "My women's wear collection showcases discreet indulgence, carefully considered design, an underlying minimalistic approach, a flawless aesthetic and a balanced sense of beauty that emerges through simple perfection."

"Tamara's collection has international flair. It is impeccably designed and executed. Her hunger and drive from the get-go until the very end showed a determination that we were looking for in our Rising Star winner," comments Gambade.

Photographer: Lee Moami at One League

"Dyson proved that she is a designer who understands the aesthetics of fashion and has the ambition and grasp of commercial demands to grow a successful fashion brand. Her conviction is so strong that she has already targeted a luxury women's wear market with impeccable fabrics, fit and quality. She has used this competition not only as a platform to show her design ability but also as a launch pad for her design career. She is ready," comments Rising Star judge, Jackie Burger.

MRP trend director and Rising Star Judge Joanne Frédéric says, "She blew us away with her refined and sophisticated collection. Her innovation in developing fabrics locally was definitely a standout element for us. Her solid and well thought through business plan set her apart. She will no doubt show the global market what African design talent is all about."

Reader judge, Boitumelo Zitha adds, "She represents a home-grown heritage. Her designs are strong and bold. Her blend of merino wool and felt and the bold mix of contrasting fabrics, as well as perfect tailoring made Tamara's collection a winning one."

"She is the most ready young designer I've ever met, ready to go to market and ready to compete with anyone in the world. Her global aesthetic is spectacular. Her finish is unrivalled and her business plan shows her incredible attention to detail and ability to succeed as a designer," concludes Rising Star judge Thebe Ikalafeng.