ELLE Style Reporter blog party.

After months of a nationwide search for the next ELLE Style Reporter in association with BlackBerry, Cape Town’s Niquita Bento of Neck of the woods took the title and the opportunity to launch a new career at last night’s ELLE Style Reporter 2013 blog party in Cape Town. Film, fashion, design, photography, music and architecture shaped this year’s event where fashion’s conceptual visionaries Suzaan Heyns and Black Coffee exhibited their work and guests celebrated the new voices in local style reporting. I personally have been a great fan of her work from the first challenge, her work is minimal yet captures the elements of her surrounding so beautifully.

 

 

ELLE Rising Star Design Awards

ELLE Style Reporter 2013

ELLE magazine and BlackBerry® are once again joining forces to create a remarkable opportunity for young fashionistas and street style spotters to launch an online career in the world of fashion. I jumped at the opportunity last year, made to the top 20 and sadly that where my journey ended, now that the search is in its second consecutive year,  it's your turn enter. If you are a blogger who is perfectly attuned with what’s new on the streets, the catwalks and can spot a trend before anyone else, you my friend, should be jumping at this opportunity, who knows you might make it further than I it.

Here is what's at stake: Apart from receiving a 12-month contract with ELLE and the opportunity to report for elle.co.za, the winner will also receive a monthly stipend of R5 000, a Fujifilm XF-1 camera and a BlackBerry® Q5 and BlackBerry® Z10 smartphone. In addition, a photography or desktop publishing course from Vega and the opportunity to be mentored by well-known photographer and head judge, Ed Suter, is also up for grabs.  With the title comes the opportunity for regular exposure in ELLE as well as on the social media platforms of ELLE and BlackBerry and the chance to attend an international fashion week in 2014.

Here is the deed: To enter, a new blog must be created and for the first post, street style at its most dynamic and exciting must be communicated. Entrants are free to choose any context but they will need to shoot and convey fashion on the move, drawing on creative ability and fashion knowledge. While originality and confidence are key, the post needs to be coherent and cohesive as entrants will also be judged on writing and communication skills. For more information on the competition and entry details turn to page 28 of the August issue of ELLE mag on sale now.

Get your form here and stay in the loop on here.

ELLE RISING STAR DESIGN AWARD 2013 x Mr Price

Are you young, talented and dreaming of your own fashion label? If so, don’t miss out on an outstanding opportunity as ELLE x Mr Price join forces in launching your career with the ELLE Rising Star Design Award for 2013. Entries opened on 20th May 2013 and entry forms and more information are available in the June issue of ELLE and online here.

From fashion designers to fashion editors, the judging panel varies from all aspects of the industry with each one having unique expectations thus it's all up to you to prepare the best, serve it and make them eat it. Remember to keep in the loop and  meet all the judges on elle.co.za. 

Entries close on the 19 of July, so get working on your story board now.

               Elle Rising Star Design Awards from Amy Difford on Vimeo.

South Africa Style

I write this with greatest sadness and great gratitude, call me a bowl of mixed emotions, I'll accept. The 2nd preliminary round of the ELLE style reporter required us to "connect the dots " and use elements of pop culture to give a view on  what we think influences South African style. The Challenge was tough, the competition was even tougher  and of-course I did not make not make the cut. Anyway I though I should share with you a fragment from my entry. Check out the finalist here.

Style is an expression influenced by element in society and its interpretation is unique among diverse cultures, cities and events. I attended 3 events of different cultural movements, from high culture (Marie Claire Loeries after party), pop culture (Pop bottles) to subculture( craft beer fest) to intimately explore their influences on South African style, as much as there are endless stream of fashion images from every branch of the global village via the internet, the South African society is still inspired by their immediate surroundings, Social and cultural changes, heritage, all play a part in influencing the way people dress thus giving South Africa a sense style of its own.

ELLE Rising Star Design Award | 2012

Shine Studios in Braamfontein played host to this year's ELLE Rising Star Design Award x Mr Price, were the Top 8 finalist got to showcase their design to the public. Unfortunately I could not attend the spectacular event, however I did cast my vote and sadly the finalist I voted for did not win.

The winner, Jane Elizabeth Kotze showcased a pastel fantasy with lovely detailing.

Sensitive sheer meet leatherette make for an abstract construction.

 Sophisticated construction is lady-like.

 A diverse redefining of gray with a pop multicolour detailing.

 flashy, frills and neon reshapes the female form.

An Africa floral bloom

 Geometric prints meets exquisite tailoring

Medieval princess plays around leather, pastels and metallics.

Images by SDRphotos