Following the recent announcement of Mr Price as the Fashion Retail Partner of SA Fashion Week, Cyla Gonsolves has been named this year’s Mr Price New Talent Search winner. Cyla Gonsolve’s collection, which drew inspiration from nature and female empowerment, made nods to her love for reducing, reusing, and recycling materials, particularly the distinctive pressed florals cultivated in her own Porterville garden. An exquisitely cut and whimsical collection of floaty day dresses, cozy knits, and modern blouses was created using this as inspiration.
Cyla Consolves
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.
Cyla will receive R50,000 as the 2023 Mr. Price New Talent Search winner, which she can use to expand her design studio on her farm in Cape Town. She will also participate in a week-long mentorship program at Mr. Price Head Office to learn about the entire retail cycle. She will also start creating her limited-edition line, which will combine her appreciation of handcrafted details with her characteristic elegant style, to debut in a few Mr. Price stores later this year.
Kevin Smit, Managing Director of Mr Price
The standard of this year’s New Talent Search is a testament to the dynamic and
innovative nature of South African design. From reimagined use of textiles, to fabrics
rich with colour and heritage, all the finalists should be proud of the designs they
showcased down the runway. Cyla’s ability to conceptualize and bring her vision to life in
a fresh and unexpected way really stood out and we are so excited to welcome her into
the family and support her journey as this year’s winner.
All eyes will now be on the next generation of menswear designers as preparations for the
The Scouting Menswear show in October 2023 begins. Prospective designers looking to participate
can look out for exciting announcements coming soon on the SA Fashion Week website and all
@safashionweek social platforms.
