With over 300 entries showcasing the latest trends in the world of fashion, the search for the next ELLE Style Reporter by ELLE in association with Orms & Canon, began. Through blog posts and storyboards, the stiff competition made the judges’ deliberation all the more difficult. Now, narrowed down to eight finalists, the best behind the lens will be awarded with the incredible opportunity to be the next ELLE Style Reporter.
The ELLE Style Reporter property was created just three years ago, crowning two successful winners, Trevor Stuurman and Niquita Bento; the announcement of the third winner is now just around the corner! With an ever-growing interest for local fashion in South Africa, the idea of the property was to find someone who’s perfectly attuned to what’s new on the streets and the catwalk. The winner should have an eye for fashion, be social media savvy and have the ability to narrate what’s on the ground through their lens. ELLE’s publisher Gisele Wertheim-Aymes says, ‘With the growth in social media, this really serves as an example that anything is possible and ELLE wanted to be the catalyst!’
The first winner Trevor Stuurman successfully created a niche in the industry by developing his own distinct trademark, and the second winner Niquita Bento, balances playful fashion quirks with interesting architecture through her lens as ELLE’s creative assistant. Together they prove that the ELLE Style Reporter is a sought after platform for emerging talent.This year again, the competition is powerful: ELLE Editor, Emilie Gambade says, ‘The eight finalists have really brought a unique point of view. A fresh look at ‘home-grown fashion & style’, away from the usual street style images we often see. Each of them brought something different and allowed for their own emotions, their personality to softly tint their work and imprint their images.’
The Finalists are:
styleincheckbysimphiwe.blogspot.co.za
CRAZY, SMART, WORKAHOLIC, DETERMINED, CHILLED BUT A LITTLE CRAZY!”
SIMZ MKHWANAZI, 25, DURBAN
“This will really have a positive impact on my career – This is only just a start to greatness!”
“I actually feel like I’m going to win this! (fingers and toes crossed). You feel me?”
“INVENTIVE, SPONTANEOUS, UNCONVENTIONAL, PERCEPTIVE, CURIOUS!”
YETUNDE DADA, 25, PRETORIA
“I’m really excited, as I feel that I’ve stepped into a different paradigm because I was a previous entrant in 2013 – managing only to get into the Top 20. Being part of the Top 8 now is a sign of growth for me and I’m ready to move forward! I feel that I have now focused on storytelling during my photography journey because I am a blogger who fell in love with photojournalism, fashion and writing at the same time a few years ago, and I think these things are elements in my work and helped with my selection for the Top 8.
“HUMBLE, CREATIVE, ADVENTUROUS, SMART AND COOL.”
THEMBA MBUYISA, 23, JOHANNESBURG
“Being a Style Reporter sounds like a cool thing to do actually. I feel cool!
This is something I’ve been doing for years, and I think I’ve been selected because there is someone out there who believes in my work and me as a creative person. I love what I do and I believe that it shows on my work!”
“ARTISTIC, AMBITIOUS, SOMEWHAT SASSY, TEA ADDICT, WITH PANACHE!”
GEMMA MARY SHEPHERD, 22, CAPE TOWN
“I feel honoured to be a finalist in this year’s competition given the high level of talent in South Africa at the moment.”
“I think I’ve been selected because I have both the photographic and writing skills to report artistically and journalistically on events and fashion trends in South Africa.
styleglaredotnet.wordpress.com
“FUN, STYLISH, YOUNG, CHRISTIAN MAN!”
LUNGILE JAMANI, 22, JOHANNESBURG.
“I am so excited and yet a bit nervous about being a finalist.
I think I’ve been selected because of my eye for style. The way I try to depict street style is most certainly not the same as the other – I’m probably one in a hundred
“PASSIONATE, CURIOUS, SENSITIVE, ARTISTIC AND ROMANTIC!”
NIKKI ZAKKAS, 24, JOHANNESBURG.
“A street style photographer for an inspiring fashion publication such as Elle would be a dream come true, combining my two studied interests: fashion and photography perfectly!
I think that I have been selected as a finalist because the role of street style reporter is uniquely suited to my educational background, putting my knowledge and skills in fashion and visual communication to good use.”
“CREATIVE, PASSIONATE, INTROVERT, HARDWORKING AND ECLECTIC!”
LUSANDA NDITA, 22, JOHANNESBURG
“I am thrilled to be one of the finalists, because this competition is a great platform to promote aspirating photographers like myself. I am looking forward to sharing my ideas on youth culture in my society.I think I have been selected because my photography explores a “home-grown” style characterized by fashion forward individuals.”
“‘ALWAYS HAPPY’ (CAN WE COUNT THAT AS ONE WORD HAHA), PASSIONATE, CONFIDENT, MOTIVATED, CONSCIOUS!”
SIBUSISO “ZEUS” FENI, 21, CAPE TOWN
“I am actually stocked, because it feels like I am in arms reach to achieving one of my biggest goals in life, which is shooting an Editorial for Elle Magazine!“I am doing the “money dance”!(Kevin Harts Dance) I think to be honest what Elle is looking for this year; best describes what I do on a daily basis, especially in terms of candid street style photography. Passion is another thing they looking for which I think they can see through my work.”
THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE: Announced on the 5th Of May in Newtown Johannesburg
· An exclusive one-on-one session with acclaimed photographer, Ed Suter
· A Canon EOS 6D DSLR with EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 is STM lens to the value of
· R30 995, courtesy of Orms & Canon
· A monthly stipend of R5 000, from July – December 2016 in his/her capacity as the 2016 ELLE Style Reporter
· The opportunity to tell their stories through the pages of ELLE, creating content for all platforms under the leadership and guidance of the editorial team and the editor Emilie Gambade.
Watch! ELLE Editor Emilie Gambade, ELLE Fashion Director Tarryn Oppel and ELLE Contributing Editor Malibongwe Tyilo on more of the juicy details here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuDMjfQ6xDk
On the 28th of April, the finalists will be treated to a technical workshop, under the leadership of sponsors Orms & Canon. There, they will also have one-on-one time with the judges before the final deliberation is made. The journey will culminate on the 5th of May at the Workshop in Newtown, Johannesburg.
TO FOLLOW THE JOURNEY, STAY TUNED TO: www.elle.co.za/enter-elle-style-reporter-2016-2/
Tweet who you think will win: @ELLEMagazineSA
TAGS: #ESR2016 #OrmsandCanon
Afrikan Princess 