CUTTERIER BY LAZ YANI WINS RENAULT NEW TALENT SEARCH @ SA FASHION WEEK

Cutterier’ by Laz Yani has been named the winner of the 2013 SA Fashion Week Renault New Talent Search competition, a quest to find the hottest new name in local fashion.
Congratulating Laz on his win, Lee - Anne Stanton, advertising manager for Renault South Africa, the title sponsor of the 2013 New Talent Search competition, said: “Laz’s creativity and raw talent undoubtedly earned him the number one spot here tonight.”
“Renault is a people-centric brand and a key element of our vision is to support emerging talent wherever and however possible. It is young South Africans such as Laz, and his four co –finalists who will Drive the Change in and ensure the sustainability of South Africa’s fashion industry in years to come.”
Following Stanton’s presentation to Laz Yani of his Renault - sponsored prize of R20 000 and the keys to the sleek, stylish Renault Mégane Coupé -his to drive for the next 12 months – a totally overwhelmed Laz said: “I am in shock, I’ve entered many competitions in the past and was always so close to the prize but have never won the grand prize. I’m more honoured and humbled by the fact that I was chosen out of hundreds of young designers who entered.”
“It was my second time as a finalist. I really learnt so much from the judges’s advice last year, so was more prepared for the “curved balls” this time around! The SAFW Renault New Talent Search is one of the most prestigious fashion talent searches in South Africa, so this acknowledgment means a lot to me & the future of my brand.”
“So much has happened since the start of the competition and I would like to thank Renault South Africa and SA Fashion Week for believing in me and giving me this fantastic opportunity.
It’s been very inspiring to rub shoulders with many of South Africa’s fashion icons, like Lucilla Booyzen and Dion Chang, in collaboration with Renault, something that has never been within my reach. This opportunity has matured my take and understanding of the demands made by the fashion industry,” he added.
“I think it’s a great initiative by a company such as Renault to support new talent as it demonstrates their care for the future of our country and the people in it. Like Renault, my brand puts the needs and wants of the consumer above all else. The design of my garments is always aimed at making the wearer comfortable and confident.
"Long term, I would like to appeal to the fuller figured women as well, so that not only will they have access to comfortable designer wear, but they will look amazing too. Like with previous collections, I have used a print technique that involves the skills of African people, a unique ethos for my brand items, over and above the draping signature, which minimises fabric wastage.”
Check our the collection below