Designer notes: David Tlale
David Tlale's design philosophy, "Life is an occasion; celebrate it in pure indulgence of elegance and style," embodies his bold yet elegant creations.
Article: Lee-Shay Collison
Since David Tlale's fabulous craftsmanship was launched onto the local fashion scene back in 2003, he has gone from strength to strength and we expect nothing short of greatness from this exceptional designer.
A Vaal University of Technology graduate and Johannesburg local, Tlale's career kicked off when he won the South African Fashion Elle New Talent award in 2003 before being approached by Carducci to design their woman's range 'Carducci Woman', paving the way to his success. In the same year, the Sunday Times named Tlale Best New Designer of the Year and most recently, he won the award for Mzansi Star Fashion Designer at the Mzansi Awards in 2008.
Tlale has showcased his collections at numerous fashion shows including Cape Town and Joburg Fashion Weeks but most noteworthy was his selection, as one of four African designers, to showcase at the Paris Couture Fashion Week in July 2007.
He is known throughout the fashion community for his exquisite wedding dresses, evening wear, men's fashion, and his new line 'Exodus' for both men and women.
We asked Tlale a few questions.
Tell us more about your brand and retail range. What kind of clothes do you design?
David Tlale is a home grown brand. We're focused on a Pret'-a'-porte' range including suits/shirts, blouses and dresses for day to day wear and a bit of cocktail dresses. The stock will be available as from March 2009. We specialise in couture for male and female. We also cater for ready to wear range. We will be selling from our studio based in Parktown North, Johannesburg at No: 50, 7th Avenue. Shopping per appointment on (011) 214 2700.
Tell us about your latest collection.
Our latest collection was launched in November 2008 and is called 'DT Green'. This range caters for voluptuous and fabulous women and is currently available on order. Stock will be available mid February 2009 and we're currently working on our Autumn/Winter range '09 to be launched at Audi Joburg Fashion Week on the 23rd January ’09 in Johannesburg. This range will be available from mid March at our Parktown North studio.
How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
We as David Tlale believe in evolution as a brand. We keep evolving from one season to the other and strongly believe in bench marking ourselves with the international market trends, so we can keep our designs fresh and original all the time. This is key to the David Tlale Brand as we view ourselves as trendsetters in the South African Fashion industry.
What is your top style tip for the readers out there?
Comfort and confidence is of vital importance no matter what size. Thus each woman needs to know her body, understand her own style and have a sense of individualism. At all costs, know what embraces and doesn't work for your body. Then embrace trends and fashion.
What are three must-have items every woman should have in her closet?
A David Tlale original.
A fabulous hand bag "the bigger, the better" and a fantabulous matching pair of shoes.
A good sexy set of foundation garments or need I say a good pair of comfortable underwear, it does a lot for your daily ego and radiance.
What are the must-have items this season (from your collection and in general?
From my collection: A DT's Little Black Dress.
A DT Cream and Black with silver/gold shimmer and Panelled skirt, Jacket and waist coat with a matching silk chiffon/satin signature bower blouse.
In general: Something tribal, be proud to be African/to be in Africa and even embrace Africanism.
As I mentioned earlier, look at me: bag, shoes and shades.
Accessorise like there is no tomorrow.
Scarves and shift dresses.
What is your favourite look for a woman?
Elegant, suited look with a bit of "drama" and accessories always does it for me.
What are the worst style mistakes you have seen?
Nasty rubber platforms/sticking out underwear on women is a big no, no!
Unco-ordinated colour story, the worst is someone who doesn’t know what suits her body: There is a difference between looks for the voluptuous and looks for the skinny…
Do you have any exciting plans for the New Year?
Yes, we have great plans for 2009.
We're looking forward to: Audi Joburg Fashion Week, our ready to wear ranges – DT green and others, our first flag ship store opening in South Africa and showing/exhibiting overseas. Watch this space!
Pics in body: represent.co.za
Are you a David Tlale fan? Let us know in the comment box below.
- Women24