Porterville-based luxury womenswear designer Cyla Gonsolves has been crowned the Mr Price New Talent Search winner during the South African Fashion Week, held in Johannesburg.
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Gonsolves’ work derives inspiration from nature and female empowerment. She incorporates her love of reducing, reusing and recycling materials, such as her pressed floral gown made from her own garden, Bizcommunity reports.
‘I still can’t believe that I’m the New Talent Search winner. This whole experience has been breathtaking, exhausting and exciting. To all the up-and-coming designers looking to enter, just do it. Enter competitions, apply for internships and learn as much as you can in this industry.’
Gonsolves received the R50 000 prize, which will be used to grow her design studio on her farm in the Western Cape. In addition, she will receive a week-long mentorship programme, during which she will learn the full retail cycle at the Mr Price head office. She will also start designing her limited edition range, which blends her signature elegant aesthetic with her love of handcrafted details.
This range will be launched in Mr Price stores later this year.
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Picture: Facebook / Mr Price
