Fashion Forward: The new kids on the ramp

It may feel like any other week to some, but thanks to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Africa, 11 young designers have a chance to change their lives.

All eyes will be on the Elle Rising Star Design Award (in association with Mr Price) and the African Fashion International Fastrack programme to see who the next name in African fashion will be.

For 14 years the Rising Star award has launched the careers of local design greats - David Tlale, Tiaan Nagel and Jane Elizabeth Kotze, among them.

The competition gives final year fashion design students or graduates not only the chance to show the continent their vision, but also a two-week mentorship at the Mr Price head office in Durban. They redesign a range to be sold in select stores.

Last night, bright patterns, blocky prints and pastels took to the runway as seven up-and-comers - Tamara Cherie Dyson, Frances Pauls, Nadia Viljoen, Kelli Botha, Charis Dawson, Michelle van der Westhuizen and Jeandri Britz - showed their collections at Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.

''This has been the journey of a lifetime," said Van der Westhuizen.

Earlier this year, at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg, the AFI Fastrack finalists were announced - Jessica Ross, Naazneen Kagee, Rich Mnisi and Tuelo Nguyuza. The four have since undergone training in business acumen, merchandising and design techniques to create their own commercial capsule collections. On Saturday, they'll be competing for the coveted accolade of AFI Young Designer of the Year 2014.

''Being one of the winners of AFI Fastrack has introduced me to the many facets of the fashion industry, which will help me grow as a brand," said Minsi. ''I've already seen how AFI Fastrack literally propels young designers' careers."

• Catch AFI Fastrack at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Africa 2014 at 12.30pm on November 1 at Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.