Lush minimalism puts Dyson on the cutting edge

THE ELLE Rising Star Design Award has produced South African fashion luminaries such as David Tlale. Since winning he has become an acclaimed international designer, showing his ranges on international catwalks, including at New York Fashion Week.

And this year, the honour of following in his footsteps was handed to Tamara Dyson from Cape Town who won the ELLE Rising Star Design Award 2014.

Dyson said she enjoyed the experience and that it was fascinating to see the designs of her fellow finalists.

“I’m thrilled the judges have given their seal of approval to my luxury minimalist approach – I love balancing the discreet indulgence of silk and fine fabrics with more structured heavyweight fabrics. I’m looking forward to taking my skills to the next level working further with ELLE, MRP and AFI over the coming year,” said Dyson.

Entrants were invited to reflect their design aesthetic in their ranges, said judge and ELLE South Africa editor Emilie Gambade. “Tamara stood out for her flair in interpreting contemporary and historical international trends.”

Dyson won a cash prize of R30 000 and mentorships from ELLE and MRP. After taking part in the AFI’s young designer development initiative, Dyson will show a spring/summer collection and receive R7 000 from MRP to help produce a range that will feature at next year’s awards.