The 22nd edition of South African Fashion Week draws near and the platform prepares itself to usher in the Spring/Summer 19 collections while simultaneously promoting African designers and building our traditional fashion markets by helping build a bridge between it and the international markets. While we are naturally excited at the thoughts of seeing new and exciting designs from our favorite designers and expectant of fantastic presentations from them, this year, we are more excited at the thought of discovering new and emerging designers and which is why the MINI Scouting menswear competition done in collaboration with GQ South Africa gives us great joy.

With the growth of menswear over the past years and the growth expected to come to the menswear industry in the next few years, it is only natural for the industry to throw a bit more weight and resources behind it and this is what South African Fashion Week aims to do with MINI Scouting menswear competition. Just like last year, when the platform first collaborated with South African Fashion Week, MINI Scouting menswear competition is dedicated to empowering talented young designers and strengthening their roles in the local fashion and menswear industry.

In regards to the spirit behind MINI, Thilosh Moodally the Head of MINI South Africa had this to said,

MINI Fashion isn‘t about products, it’s about possibilities. MINI Fashion celebrates this individuality, knowing that when unique perspectives and passions come together, we all benefit.

The winner of the 2019 edition of MINI Scouting menswear competition gets tools that will assist their transition from a  developing creative into a sustainable business with the potential for commercial growth. The winner also gets a trip to Menswear Fashion Fair, Pitti Immagine Uomo 96, in Florence, Italy, from 11 to 14 June 2019 and media exposure with GQ South Africa. This is not all, they also get to showcase their Spring/Summer 2019 Collection at South African Fashion Week in April 2019 and their Autumn/Winter 2020 Collection at South African Fashion Week in October 2019 and a stand at South African Fashion Week Designer Pop Up Shop in August 2019.

To learn more about the MINI Scouting menswear competition and to take a look at the judges and finalists, click here.