Emeris students uphold Vega School legacy as L’Oréal Brandstorm finalists

Three students from The Vega School at Emeris made their mark at the recent national finals of the prestigious L'Oréal Brandstorm 2026 competition, competing against six other finalists from universities across South Africa. 

L’Oréal Brandstorm is L’Oréal’s global innovation competition for students, challenging young talent to develop creative business solutions for the future of beauty. The Vega School students have participated in past editions of the competition, building on a record that includes national finalist placements and being flown to Paris to compete internationally. 

Representing Vega School at Emeris Sandton were Stef Khoury (studying toward a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Brand Communication), Samuel Edelstein (a Bachelor of Commerce in Strategic Brand Management student) and Miranda Chakodzonga (completing a Bachelor of Arts in Experience Design, specialising in Motion Design).

The team was selected as one of only seven finalists from more than 260 entries and delivered an impressive concept they named Juste Pour Toi (“Just for You”). The idea proposed a technology-enabled luxury fragrance concierge that helps consumers discover and personalise a signature scent based on their preferences, personality, and lifestyle.

“To be able to share our idea and concept to a crowd filled with experts, mentors and students was something I’ll never forgot,” said Edelstein, adding that he was able to gain new perspectives and vital skills to support his area of study and future career.

Chakodzonga said the experience was “surreal,” and a moment she will never forget. “Presenting on such a prestigious stage fuelled my drive to keep pushing beyond what feels comfortable. More than anything, it deepened my passion to create work that matters, take on bigger challenges, and grow into the best version of myself."

The Vega School team was chosen to present their concept at the national finals to a panel of industry judges, which took place at L'Oréal South Africa’s headquarters in Marlboro, Johannesburg.

Although the students did not advance to the international finals, which will take place in Paris, France, in July, Anli Grobler, Head of Strategic Brand Communication Lecturer at Vega School said their achievement is significant given the scale and competitiveness of the challenge.

“Being selected as one of only seven finalist teams out of more than 260 entries is an outstanding achievement. We are incredibly proud of Stef, Samuel and Miranda for their innovative concept, strategic thinking, creative design concept that addressed the brief in a sophisticated and innovative way. We applaud them too for their courage in presenting to some of the industry’s top minds,” she said. 

Grobler added that competitions like L'Oréal Brandstorm provide invaluable industry exposure and show students what is possible when they apply what they have learnt in the classroom to significant brand and business [AS1.1][AG1.challenges.

“Their success also reflects the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, with students from brand communication, strategic brand management and experience design working together to solve a complex challenge,” she said. 

In an increasingly competitive job market, experiences like these offer students’ practical exposure, build confidence and demonstrate that South African students can compete with the best young innovators in the country.