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MINI South Africa, along with its partners GQ Magazine and South African Fashion Week (SAFW), has announced Shaylene Morris of BI PAREL as the winner of the 2019 MINI Scouting Menswear competition, in association with GQ Magazine.
Shaylene Morris is a 26-year old entrepreneur and graduate from the University of Johannesburg whose BI PAREL label draws inspiration from Japanese street culture. “I was definitely not expecting this,” said an emotional Morris after the announcement on Friday, 5 April.
Started in 2017, BI PAREL is a unisex street couture brand that allows Morris an outlet for her passion for detail and pattern work, while creating pieces that are unique and interesting. As part of her prize, Morris will have the opportunity to showcase a collection at the A/W20 edition of SAFW in October 2019, receive R50 000 in cash to support the further development of her fashion business, and enjoy media exposure in GQ Magazine South Africa.
“BI PAREL’s creative aim of ‘comfortably standing out’ is a maxim that certainly rings true for MINI,” Thilosh Moodally, Head of MINI South Africa, said. “As a brand, we take inspiration from and celebrate those who are constantly pushing boundaries and embracing challenges. BI PAREL further encompasses MINI’s Fashion Reimagined ideals.”
Now in its second year of partnering with SAFW, the MINI Scouting Menswear Competition is aimed at empowering talented young menswear designers in line with the global MINI Fashion strategy that has seen the brand open itself to new ideas and areas of business.
This year, qualifying designers needed to have completed a fashion design qualification or displayed a minimum of five years’ design experience, and expressed a desire to transition from a developing creative to a sustainable business with the potential for commercial growth.
“I’m just so happy that the hard work and long hours are paying off. Thanks to all who played a role in this win,” Morris added.
