Jessica-Ann Shepherd, the founder of clothing brand Oddity, has won the Mr Price New Talent Search 2024, a prestigious fashion competition in South Africa. Her winning collection, ‘Eco Dream Reimagined,’ impressed the judges with its sustainable approach to fashion, using upcycling methods and excess fabric to create vibrant and unique designs. As well as receiving a cash reward and mentorship programme, Shepherd will design a collection to be sold in select Mr Price stores next year. This win is a testament to the emerging talent in South Africa’s fashion industry.
Who is Jessica-Ann Shepherd and what did she win?
Jessica-Ann Shepherd is the founder of innovative clothing brand Oddity and the winner of the Mr Price New Talent Search 2024, a distinguished fashion competition hosted by South Africa Fashion Week in association with Mr Price. Her collection, named ‘Eco Dream Reimagined,’ showcased her commitment to sustainability and set a new standard for sustainable fashion. As the winner, she received a cash reward of R50,000, a mentorship programme from Mr Price, and the privilege to design a collection that will be displayed and retailed in select Mr Price stores next year.
One of the greatest contemporary creative minds in fashion, Jessica-Ann Shepherd, the founder of innovative clothing brand Oddity, recently bagged the top spot in the eagerly awaited Mr Price New Talent Search 2024. This distinguished competition, hosted by South Africa Fashion Week in association with retail behemoth Mr Price, has been instrumental in spotlighting and propelling promising fashion designers into the limelight.
An Esteemed Jury and a Unique Competition
Comprising some of the most influential figures in the fashion circuit, this year’s jury panel was truly illustrious. The panel included Nontando Mposo, the esteemed journalist and Chief Editor of Glamour South Africa, and Anissa Mpungwe, a former champion of the New Talent Search and the ingenious mind behind Anissa Mpungwe Atelier. Adding to the panel’s prowess were the formidable triad from Mr Price: Amber Jones, the Divisional Head of Buying; Dean Hauptfleisch, the Head of Buying Menswear; and Tamaryn Whitmore, the Head of Buying Ladieswear.
The competition, held under the auspices of South Africa Fashion Week and Mr Price, has a longstanding reputation for being a springboard for many fledgeling fashion designers. This platform not only recognises their extraordinary talent but also provides them with a unique platform to highlight their creativity.
An Extraordinary Collection Wins Over the Jury
Shepherd’s mesmerising collection, named ‘Eco Dream Reimagined’, captivated the audience. The assemblage was a unique fusion of eccentric prints, functional features, and inventive upcycling methods, all rendered vivid through a pastel-driven colour scheme. Shepherd, hailing from Cape Town, demonstrated that fashion and sustainability are not mutually exclusive, but can indeed harmonise. She used digital and vinyl printing techniques on excess fabric to craft whimsical shapes throughout her assortment of dresses, tees, and distinctive knitwear.
This collection not only reflected Shepherd’s creativity but also showcased her commitment to sustainability. The captivating designs and innovative use of surplus fabric have set a new standard for sustainable fashion.
The Rewards of Victory: More Than Just a Prize
By clinching the title, Shepherd mirrored the feat of last year’s champion, Cyla Gonsolves, and garnered a cash reward of R50,000 to bolster her burgeoning career. However, the benefits of this win extend beyond financial gain. It offers Shepherd an invaluable opportunity to participate in a mentorship programme administered by the Mr Price Head Office. Moreover, she will also be granted the privilege to design a collection that will be displayed and retailed in select Mr Price stores next year.
The victory took Shepherd by surprise. Expressing her disbelief, she said, “I inaugurated Oddity with a humble team in 2019, and here we are, just five short years later!” Her gratitude was palpable as she added, “Being chosen among such a pool of gifted designers is an immense honour. Initiatives like these are vital for nurturing the industry, and I’m immensely thankful.”
Applauding the Talent and Looking to the Future
Amber Jones, while addressing the attendees, praised the event as a testament to South Africa’s rich cultural and creative tapestry. She commended the finalists and expressed her excitement about Jessica-Ann beginning a new chapter of her career with the Mr Price team. “Our finalists not only represented their own design works beautifully but also continue to push the boundaries of local fashion,” she stated.
In conclusion, the Mr Price New Talent Search 2024 was more than a mere contest. It served as a platform to spotlight the boundless potential within South Africa’s fashion industry and a stepping-stone for emerging designers like Jessica-Ann Shepherd. As she embarks on this thrilling journey, the fashion world eagerly waits for her future contributions and wishes her every success.
1. Who is Jessica-Ann Shepherd and what did she win?
Jessica-Ann Shepherd is the founder of innovative clothing brand Oddity and the winner of the Mr Price New Talent Search 2024, a distinguished fashion competition hosted by South Africa Fashion Week in association with Mr Price. Her collection, named ‘Eco Dream Reimagined,’ showcased her commitment to sustainability and set a new standard for sustainable fashion. As the winner, she received a cash reward of R50,000, a mentorship programme from Mr Price, and the privilege to design a collection that will be displayed and retailed in select Mr Price stores next year.
2. What was the Mr Price New Talent Search 2024?
The Mr Price New Talent Search 2024 is a prestigious fashion competition in South Africa hosted by South Africa Fashion Week in association with Mr Price. It is a platform for emerging fashion designers to showcase their talents and gain recognition in the industry.
3. What was unique about Jessica-Ann Shepherd’s winning collection?
Jessica-Ann Shepherd’s winning collection, ‘Eco Dream Reimagined,’ impressed the judges with its sustainable approach to fashion, using upcycling methods and excess fabric to create vibrant and unique designs. The collection was a fusion of eccentric prints, functional features, and inventive upcycling methods, all rendered vivid through a pastel-driven colour scheme.
4. What rewards did Jessica-Ann Shepherd receive for winning the competition?
In addition to the cash reward of R50,000, Jessica-Ann Shepherd received a mentorship programme from Mr Price and the opportunity to design a collection that will be displayed and retailed in select Mr Price stores next year.
5. What is the significance of the Mr Price New Talent Search 2024 for emerging fashion designers?
The Mr Price New Talent Search 2024 is a platform for emerging fashion designers to showcase their talents and gain recognition in the industry. It provides them with the opportunity to participate in a mentorship programme administered by the Mr Price Head Office and the privilege to design a collection that will be displayed and retailed in select Mr Price stores.
6. What was the theme of Jessica-Ann Shepherd’s winning collection?
Jessica-Ann Shepherd’s winning collection was named ‘Eco Dream Reimagined’ and showcased her commitment to sustainability through the use of upcycling methods and excess fabric to create vibrant and unique designs.
