It was a day of vibrancy and celebration at Keyes Art Mile this Saturday as the winner of this year’s Nando’s Hot Young Designer’s talent search competition was announced.

Thirty-two-year-old, Agrippa Mncedisi Hlophe came out tops this year with his hand drawn circular-inspired design. The Port Shepstone local drew inspiration from the circular form and designed a fabric that represented its symbolism of growth, unity, wholeness and infinity.

Nando’s invited South African designers and artists under the age of 35 to enter the talent search competition. Each year, designers are tasked with submitting designs in a specific medium, and this year’s competition focused on fabric design. Hlope’s creation was selected from 420 design entries that were received from 259 entrants this year. 10 finalists were selected and had their designs displays in a major installation at Keyes Art Mile on Saturday, 20 October where the announcement was made.

“Nando’s is committed to nurturing young creative talent and providing a platform for South African creativity to grow, and we’re inspired by the work we have seen in this year’s Hot Young Designers Competition. At Nando’s, we believe that design makes the world a better, more meaningful and connected place.” says Michael Spinks, Head of Design at Nando’s.

If you missed the opening, you can view the works of the 10 finalists that will be on display up until 8 November 2018.

The finalists of this year’s competition included:

Agrippa Mncedisi Hlophe

Zinhle Sithebe

Mixo Dawn Mackaukau

Thandazani Nofinxana

Spamandla Mdunyelwa

Kamogelo Samkelo Mthunzi

Primrose Chimhanda

Ditiro Mashigo

Dillon Joseph

Bonolo Helen Chepape