MEET OUR SUPER SEVEN: PART ONE

31 Oct 2012
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With just 20 days to go until the ELLE Style Reporter in association with BlackBerry® blog party (where we’ll be announcing our first style reporter), we want you to know two things:

1) Have you got your tickets to the hottest party of the year? Make this a priority and join the ELLE belles and BlackBerry to see the seven finalists battle it out for the title of ELLE’s Style Reporter 2012. To book, click here and trust us, you want to book! This is the hottest blog party… ever! Plus, BlackBerry is giving away a  BlackBerry® Bold™ 9790 smartphone to one of our lucky guests on the night!

2) So you’ve seen their work and voted along the way, but do you really know the bloggers? Get to know them a little better here:

Three things we don’t know about you:

1) ‘I’m obsessed with bags and wedges.’

2) ‘I love tea.’

3) ‘I can’t go a day without checking out a fashion blog.’

Highlight of the Elle Style Reporter Search?

‘The overwhelming response I get from followers. My blog views have gone up, up and up!’

Biggest challenge?

‘The video recording at Arts On Main in Jo’burg for the ELLE Style Reporter in association with BlackBerry final video – I am very camera shy!’

Who would you love to shoot and why?

‘Iris Apfel – the woman is 91 years old and she looks amazing. Her eclectic and flamboyant style has inspired bold development in the fashion industry.’

Have you got what it takes to win this search and why?

‘I do indeed! I have been preparing for this job since my days of playing dress-up. I have a huge passion for fashion and photography.’

What bores you?

‘Narrow-minded people.’

First time you held a camera?

‘2009, when I enrolled for a photography course.’

What does streetstyle mean to you?

‘Eccentricity. Confidence. Street smart.’

Best advice you’ve ever received?

‘Pursuing your passion pays off in the end.’

What can’t you leave home without?

‘My camera, notepad, Blackberry, Bible, eyeliner and backpack.’

See Lebogang’s work here.

Highlight of the ELLE Style Reporter Search?

‘Meeting the legendary Jackie Burger was the highlight for me. She has really played a huge role in how the world views the fashion industry in South Africa and the pride we have in local products.’

Biggest challenge?

‘My biggest challenge has been getting the camera and I to be one. I’m a newbie at the camera game but have definitely realised that photography is a passion I want to pursue further, so I’ve just been trying to turn my weakness into my strength.’

Who would you love to shoot and why?

‘Solange Knowles. The ELLE November issue was amazing, mainly because it had such an amazing article on Solange. She is unique, stylish and iconic. She is my dream subject!’

How would others describe you?

‘A dorky girl, with a big smile and loud laugh that somehow got it right when it comes to style. She’s a bit odd but amazingly spirited and bubbly – I hope!’

What’s on your radar?

‘An up-and-coming designer from the Eastern Cape, Laduma Ngxokolo. He makes the most beautiful Xhosa-inspired knitwear for men. His designs have been showcased at the Design Indaba and on Southern Guild. He is so amazing and it’s only a matter of time before his designs become the next big thing in SA fashion.’

Have you got what it takes to win this search and why?

‘I definitely have what it takes to be the Elle Style Reporter. This industry requires a quick eye and someone who can deliver high-quality work. I’m that person.’

What excites you?

‘A new challenge – it gets boring when everything is too easy. Beautiful clothes also excite me. My word, do I love beautiful clothes!’

Favourite song/film of all time?

‘Don’t judge me, but Marvin Gaye’s Let’s get it on is my favourite song. When my playlist switches to this song I just can’t help but dance. It is the epitome of what the ’70s were all about – sex, soul and groove.’

What does streetstyle mean to you?

‘Functional and practical, but ridiculously stylish.’

Best advice you’ve ever received?

‘Do your best and let God do the rest. These words have honestly been my saving grace throughout this competition and throughout my life really. It’s my motto for everything I do.’

Who have been your greatest influences?

‘My parents; they are such awesome, patient, hardworking and ambitious people that it would be crazy if they didn’t rub off on me. Everyone I meet influences me in some way.’

First words out of your mouth when we announced you as a finalist?

‘What? Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!’

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I see myself hopefully working for ELLE magazine – directing fashion editorials and empowering women.’

See Lee’s work here.

Highlight of the ELLE Style Reporter Search?

‘The highlight has been my own self-discovery. I now know that am relentless and I have overcome my biggest challenge of second-guessing my vision.’

Who would you love to shoot and why?

‘Although I am about a decade too late, the only person I would have truly wanted to shoot as a subject is Nina Simone. That woman was so sexy. Nobody could rouse romance the way she still does beyond the grave. She is all I have ever wanted to be.’

What’s on your radar?

‘Definitely pantsula and kwaito stars Dirty Paraffin – a fusion of electro-kwaito funk.’

Okmalumkoolkat, Dj Spizee of Dirty Paraffin in ELLE’s May 2010 issue.

Have you got what it takes to win this search and why?

‘To say that I have what it takes would be a colossal understatement. Time and again, my approach has been introspective, reflective and worldly.’

What excites you?

‘The possibility of a life actually lived.’

What bores you?

‘Anything and anyone myopic in thought and rigid in movement.’

Who is your icon and why?

‘Nina Simone. Although she was forced to leave the United States, she maintained that she could never be exiled from herself. Now that’s a woman.’

First time you held a camera?

‘No idea, but it must have been the first time I learnt to breath.’

What’s the most outrageous thing you’ve done for fashion?

‘Before I begin, it should be noted that I am now a changed woman and that what I am about to speak of is but a shadow of my past. I have stolen from my sister’s and mother’s wardrobes; starved myself at varsity to save money for a dress that I never actually wore; and I have lied about needing money to buy textbooks so I could buy clothes. But, like I said, that is all in the past. Now, I just forget to return items of clothing that I borrow from friends. It’s a work in progress.’

What does streetstyle mean to you?

‘Streetstyle is the making of the South African “history journal”, with “defiant” pens. We are writing on its pages everyday.’

Best advice you’ve ever received?

‘The secrets of this world are yours to have, so do what you have to do so that you can do what you want to do.’

Who have been your greatest influences?

‘My mother.’

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

‘Travelling across Africa and documenting stories about identities, victories and pride.’

See Mlilo’s work here.

Three things we don’t know about you?

1) ‘This past Friday I graduated in design, pattern-making and sewing. It was a great experience. My garments won first prize in a fashion show for the Social Development Department in Gauteng.’

2) ‘I have a huge fetish for Jo’burg’s Neighbourgoods Market.’

3) ‘I am not a huge fan of comedies, unless it is something out of the ’90s.’

Highlight of the ELLE Style Reporter Search?

‘Meeting new people. I have found a craving for fresh new conversations about what makes people tick. It is a great space to be in at this point in my life.’

Biggest challenge?

‘Taking a risk for the fourth challenge. I wanted to express the need for us to develop skills and to craft our work in the medium of fashion. The weather in Jo’burg during the time was not great but I was able to capture the city’s beautiful skyline.’

Who would you love to shoot and why?

‘Alek Wek springs to mind immediately. I love her unique style. I have always pictured her in colourful saris that she would wear out to a market.  That would be a beautiful contrast to her skin tone.’

Alek Wek on ELLE’s April 2010 issue

How would others describe you?

‘A young woman who is ambitious, assertive, humble, hardworking and committed. I have been told that I’m a true hustler. My mom believes I am filled with eons of self- love and ways of giving to others unconditionally.’

Have you got what it takes to win this search and why?

‘It would be more than just a win for me. I have done my best to speak of the collective hearts that make up South Africa and hope that I have created a gap where ELLE readers will look forward to reading more from me. Writing has been a pivotal part of this competition and I have found a platform that celebrates great South African writers and that has given me the opportunity to share my writing. Being a part of this industry is a birth right for me; it is the place where my passion meets purpose.’

What does streetstyle mean to you?

‘Streetstyle is the meeting of unique ideas through clothing. South Africans can express themselves completely, with no limits.’

Best advice you’ve ever received?

‘Be so comfortable with yourself that you are not shaken or negatively affected by others.’

Who have been your greatest influences?

‘My mom is an imperative part of who I am, as a woman, teacher and counsellor. Generally, South Africans influence my outlook on life.’

See Nomanqoba’s work here.

Images: Supplied and ELLE and Dazed & Confused.