New sponsor for emerging fashion talent competition

Premier local fashion event, the 9th annual SA Fashion Week (SAFW), announced a new sponsor for their annual Elle New Talent Competition this year. Trendy international fashion lifestyle brand, Lee Cooper, has come on board, in conjunction with Elle magazine, as the new sponsor of the cutting-edge talent competition.

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. Competition has subsequently stiffened, as aspiring designers are required to make their collections consist mostly out of denim.

This exceptional platform has pushed forward and developed the careers of now 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.

As per SAFW's Elle New Talent-tradition, the winner will receive the opportunity to showcase a full collection at next year's SAFW. Last year's winner Frances Andrews will be launching her full debut collection at this year's SAFW. In addition to next year's showcase - with Lee Cooper on board, this year's winner will be sent on an exciting, combined trip to the Lee Cooper design center in Paris; as well as visit the Lee Cooper denim factory in Tunisia - with an Elle representative there to document the full experience.

The SA Fashion Week 2005 takes place from Thursday 28 July to Sunday 31 July at The Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. The Lee Cooper/Elle New Talent Competition will be the opening show on 28 July.