Cross the boundaries, tap into your culture, creating a new idea and vision.

BRING INSPIRATION FROM THE PAST INTO THE PRESENT TO PREDICT THE FUTURE  OF SA FASHION

• First step is to design your own print. Your design must include print covering at least 25% of the garments you present.

• Consider fabrics that have the least impact on the environment.

• Use sustainably sourced fabrics.

• Say no to fur and leather - say yes to Cruelty-free fashion

• Provide consumer care instructions to increase the garment’s longevity.

• Create a timeless Collection that transcends seasons

Base your designs on 2026 world trends by combining contemporary shapes, styles, and construction with your inspiration and design talent.

Research Responsible Fashion to make sure you understand it in a way that you can live it and play a role in shaping the future of Fashion Design.

Semi-finalists selection will be based on design talent, the ability to follow the brief, and the capacity to supply stores.

• R10 000-00 towards developing your SS27 Collection – will be given to the winner to assist with the development of your SS27 Collection in April 2027 Collections – Designer to pay for own show package

• R10 000-00 towards developing your AW28 Collection In October.  The winner will be part of the 2027 New Talent Search show Free of charge.

• Social media coverage, video of your Collection, Photographs of each garment, valued at R25 000-00.

• The total value of the prize: ± R45 500-00

1. Newly established Designer brands in the South African Creative Fashion Industry.

2. Designers who have not been in business for less than three and more than ten years

3. Designers with a fashion design diploma or degree, or five years of design experience

4. Previous SAFW New Talent Search Finalists may enter for a second or third time.

5. This is a ladies wear competition - no menswear designs will be accepted.

6. Previous winners cannot enter again.

Designers must complete the online entry form on the SAFW website and download the full competition brief. – www.safashionweek.co.za  under Competitions

The deadline for the online registration is Tuesday 30th June at 17h00.

DESIGNER ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM

1. Your name and surname

2. Your SA ID number

3. Mobile number

4. Email address

5. What is the name of your  brand?

6. How long have you been in business?

7. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your business in terms of responsible practices?
   1 = not yet any responsible practices- 10 = highly responsible practices.

8. Where did you study?

9. What are your price points (wholesale and  retail)?

10. Do you currently supply any stores? If yes, which stores (store name and location)?

11. Have you showcased your work before? If yes, (list the year, and the season you showcased, and the platform you made use of.)

SUBMISSION OF YOUR ELECTRONIC PORTFOLIO:

Prepare a 50 word reply on each of the following:

• Motivation – why are you entering

• Inspiration -  where did you draw your inspiration from

One page mood board     

Seven Technical Sketches – Technical sketches must include front and back views, key construction details, fabric notes and any special design features.

24th July 2026 at 17H00 is the deadline for all electronic portfolio/storyboards to be submitted to content@safashionweek.co.za

27th to 30th July 2026 – a panel of judges will view electronic portfolios submitted and select the semi-finalists

31st July 2026  – semi-finalists announcement

• Semi-finalists selected will have to produce a 7-look Collection that must be ready for the fitting in Johannesburg the week of the 5th October 2026 – exact date to be confirmed.

• You will be notified of the fitting venue where a full collection including shoes and accessories must be presented.

• Any collection that is not complete by then will be disqualified.

• The winner will be announced at the New Talent Search showcase on the 22nd October 2026

• Designers based outside Johannesburg will be required to cover their own flight or transport costs to and from Johannesburg.

• The Collections registered SAFW New Talent Search, may not be submitted or associated with any other fashion competition or fashion week platform taking place in South Africa during 2025/2026

• The collection must be womenswear.

• All garments developed by finalists must be the following sizes:

• To fit a standard size 34 model perfectly

• Shoe sizes will only be provided, by the show coordinator once models have been selected approximately 4 weeks before the show

• In case of selection, the outfits will have to be made in total accordance with the sketches and technical details presented

• Correct and accurate execution of outfits is essential, and if reckoned to vary greatly from the enrolled shapes and designs, the selected contestant will be disqualified

1. By enrolling in the SAFW New Talent Search, you guarantee the authorship of your project.

2. Should you be found guilty of plagiarism, you will be automatically disqualified. SA Fashion Week takes no responsibility for accusations of plagiarism coming from third parties. The applicants will retain the copyright of the enrolled collection.

3. SA Fashion Week (SAFW) reserves the right to disqualify any contestant at any time if they do not respect the terms and conditions of the entry requirements. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the safety of all submissions, SAFW cannot be held responsible for any damage/theft of garments or designs that may occur during transport, selections or during the finals at SA Fashion Week. If selected as a SAFW New Talent Search finalist, contestants are required to carry out   all further arrangements (transport, etc.) and other obligations timeously.

4. The SAFW New Talent Search is handled exclusively by SA Fashion Week CC - which reserves the right to rule on any issue pertaining to the competition and not covered by these entry requirements.

5. The choice of the Judges is final

6. Flights, accommodation, and transport will not be provided for finalists or semi-finalists. Should you not be based in Johannesburg you will have to pay for your flights to the fitting and the show.

You must register online before end of day on the 30th of June 2026 -  Follow the link: https://www.safashionweek.co.za/competitions/safw-new-talent-search-aw26

30th June 2026: Online registration closes at 17h00

24th July 2026: Portfolio submission deadline. Electronic Portfolios to be sent to: content@safashionweek.co.za

27th – 29th July 2026: Portfolio judging and semi-finalist selection at SAFW

31st July 2026: Semi-Finalists announced

Week of 5th October: Fitting date and final Judging – venue to be confirmed

22nd October 2026: SA Fashion Week New Talent Search showcase and announcement of the winner

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE MARKED – NEW TALENT SEARCH ENRTY 2026