Local Designer Cyla Gonsolves Crowned Winner of Mr Price New Talent Search

Cyla Gonsolves, a luxury womenswear designer from Porterville, has emerged as the winner of the Mr Price New Talent Search competition at the South African Fashion Week which was held in Johannesburg.

In addition to the established designers who presented their latest collections on the runway, the Mr Price New Talent Search finalists garnered significant attention as they made their debut at SA Fashion Week.

The finalists of the New Talent Search were Mmathabo Silika from Silika, Kuhle Phumzile Zondo from E_Mania, Caileigh Davis from Silver Magpie, Athenkosi Takuta from Artae, and Lwandle Duma from Lwavant-Garde. Additionally, Oyama Gonintebe, Juanie van Wyk from Juanie, Sifiso Kunene from Messrs Basswood, and Cyla Gonsolves from Cyla Gonsolves participated in the competition, with Cyla Gonsolves emerging as the winner.

Designer Gonsolves, who showcased the “No Wasting Wonderland” collection, has a profound understanding that the fashion industry is among the primary culprits of global pollution. She also recognizes her responsibility as a designer to remain conscious and steer clear of fast fashion.

Gonsolves presented a fanciful assemblage of relaxed day dresses, comfortable sweaters, simple tops, and mesh purses influenced by the soft petals of flowers. The bright yellow outfits with accents of purple and pink were particularly noteworthy and caught the judges’ attention.

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.

In 2018, the designer established her own brand which specializes in luxury womenswear. She gained recognition by participating in “The Intern by David Tlale” and has since received several awards. As the winner of this year’s New Talent Search, she will be awarded a cash prize of R50 000 along with a mentorship program under SA Fashion Week. Additionally, she has been given the opportunity to create a limited-edition collection for Mr Price that will be sold nationwide.