With much of South Africa’s young designer talent sweeping through the hands of its creative industries, LISOF South Africa unveils its annual chronicle for 2012 – Protégé.  Now nearing its final stages of completion, Protégé merges and captures the works of students and industry leaders; revealing and forecasting fashion, journalistic and design presentations through the keen guidance of some of South Africa’s greatest insiders. 
Such a publication could only be accomplished under the zealous direction of Nicola Cooper.  A mind unlike any other; Cooper’s quiet determination has resulted in many successful unions between students and industry professionals.  Her directorship of Protégé is a testament to herself, as a creative South African.  Cooper has journeyed her team through unchartered territories, encouraging students to challenge their creative outlooks. The Mai Mai Market in downtown Johannesburg was one such territory – a space for a fashion shoot of a different kind.  Cooper’s keen sense on the focus of Protégé reflects the depths to which she has delved to expose not only fashion, but subtle social and lifestyle trends relevant to today’s South Africa.  Every mood, detail and tone of every layout has been caught meticulously through the eyes of this talented leader - always sharing her spirit and mentorship to the young creatives of her team.
Protégé is the net that aims to grab young South African talent before release into the industry.  Combining this with unparalleled directorship and exposure to industry workings – a niche in the design publication arena is certainly filled.