A dream came true for fashion designer Hamza Guelmouss (20) of Morocco’s Casa Moda Academy when he was named the winner of the Elle Rising Star Design Award 2015 in association with Mr Price in Hyde Park recently.
“I feel like a million bucks, knowing I have won. This is unreal, I feel so proud to be able to represent my country and my school,” expressed Guelmouss.
When asked what inspired his work he explained his spark is ignited by rare and different things, sick people, the end of the world, old jackets, some trends and people just being themselves.
Emilie Gambade, judge and Elle South Africa editor said, “Listening to the finalists’ stories during the judging as they took us through their collection made it incredibly difficult to settle on one single winner. There were undoubtedly strong visions and voices in this year’s selection of finalists.”
She added that Guelmouss had a plan, a clear idea of where he would like to take his brand, a future for his range and a strong signature. “His range is a perfect expression of his incredible creativity, design skills, combined with strong craftsmanship and impeccable proportions.”
Guelmouss and the other finalists, Cara Geach, Daisie Jo Grobler, Blünke Janse van Rensburg, Bianca Messina and Siyabonga Ntini, had been hard at work for the past nine weeks with an online basic business skills training course. They were also bringing their full fashion ranges to life to show them off at the awards.
The six finalists were chosen by the judges from a top eight whose garments were used for a fashion shoot for Elle magazine. Readers also voted for their favourites.
“The Elle Rising Star Design Award offers a great opportunity for young designers to make their mark in the fashion world. David Tlale was one of our first winners and he is now an acclaimed international designer, showing his ranges at New York Fashion Week,” explained Gambade.
Guelmouss won R30 000 from Mr Price to help launch his fashion career, and intensive two-week internships with Mr Price and Elle. He will also get the opportunity to design a predetermined range that will be sold online and in select Mr Price stores, as well as an opportunity to show a range at the 2016 Elle Rising Star Design Award and an annual subscription to Elle.
Details: www.elle.co.za
