Elle's new talent to open Sanlam SA Fashion Week

Taking to the ramp to display their designs, finalists Marize Malan, Robyn de Klerk, Tanya Demby, Anisa Ami Mpungwe, Stephan Marin and Khumo Mashimane will provide a dip stick of the country's upcoming new talent. The young designers will also get an opportunity to exhibit their work during the SAFW which ends on Saturday, 30 August.

Open to recently qualified designers, the awards held by Elle magazine in partnership with top fashion value retailer, Mr Price, are focused on developing and nurturing talent in the fashion industry. The 2008 winner will be announced at the Sanlam SAFW show.

This year's awards will, for the first time, give the winner an opportunity to be exposed to the full retail cycle through a mentorship programme with Mr Price.

"We are excited with the innovative and creative work coming through and we have no doubt that the show will be a huge success and will demonstrate the great new design potential in this country," said Joanne Coelho, Trend Manager for Mr Price.

The competition has in past years brought to the fore talented local up-and-coming young design talent in the South Africa fashion industry.

"We are thrilled to see young designers spring board their careers from the Awards. It is certainly encouraging and we hope to work on enhancing and expanding the scope of our work at grassroots level within the fashion industry," said Elle Editor, Jackie Burger.

The Sanlam SAFW will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 27 - 30 August 2008.