The Lee Cooper/Elle New Talent Competition opens its doors to emerging designers, who are either establishing their own label, or working under another designer. With the involvement of the top denim brand, the theme this year is 'Denim with a difference' and designers are required to make their collections consist mostly of denim.
SAFW programme director, Dion Chang, says: "The Lee Cooper/Elle New Talent-show at SA Fashion Week is a unique opportunity for young, up-and-coming designers to launch themselves to the South African fashion industry.
"Unlike any of the other student competitions, this competition's focus is on post-graduate students who have started their own labels - designers who are already getting aquatinted with the 'business of fashion' and have a client base or are selling to stores."
This platform has developed the careers of well-known designers such as David Tlale (of Old Boy Oof), who was winner of the Elle New Talent competition in 2003.
Popular acclaimed design house Stoned Cherrie also took a powerful leap forward after their debut on the Elle New Talent ramp.
Niki Wittles, brand manager for Lee Cooper, says Lee Cooper has aligned itself with SAFW as the values of the event are in line with their own strategy of inspired, original, creative and passionate fashion.
The winner will receive the opportunity to showcase a full collection at next year's SAFW and will visit the Lee Cooper design center in Paris and denim factory in Tunisia.
The SA Fashion Week 2005 takes place from Thursday 28 July to Sunday 31 July at The Sandton Convention Centre.
