David Tlale has become a
designer in South Africa synonymous with outrageous designs, fantastic fabrics,
creative presentations and a sense of well-deserved drama queen antics. He’s
just performed a super stunt at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town, securing
a street in Bo-Kaap to host is SA collection. Now we find ourselves faced with
the awesomeness of David Tlale showcasing in a stand-alone show at the
prestigious Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York. And mind you, while he was at
the big apple getting his Manhattan groove on, he was also showing at Zimbabwe
Fashion Weekend.
Renaissance
Men: David, there’s no stopping you. Is there any truth to that statement?
David Tlale: Yes there is,
because I believe in a growing basis of re-inventing my brand, my design and
myself continuously.
RM:
Congratulations on becoming, evidently, the first South African designer to
host their own stand-alone show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York. How was
that experience for you?
DT: The experience was really
amazing. It just affirmed the profile of the David Tlale brand, as our journey
and goal is to become a Global brand, as well as, continue to see the David
Tlale brand through the eyes of the world and conquer the fashion industry.
RM:
The collection shown is much more colour-full than your ensemble for
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town, but the colours are still subdued for
what one would expect for a Spring collection. Can you talk us through your
presentation?
DT: Colours are inspired and
influenced by Sunrise Yellow to Sunset Burnt Orange, heading to Midnight Black
that epitomizes the beautiful South African skyline.
RM:
I’m sure it’s still early days to tell, but, judging from people who were at
the showing and their reactions, what has the international response been like
for your debut?
DT: it has been really positive
and it gives us hope that as David Tlale the brand made in South African brand
that we WILL make it internationally - it also confirms/affirms that as an
African Child we are able to compete on an International stage and receive
great reviews.
RM:
While you were away, your collection from MBFWCT was showcased at Zimbabwe
Fashion Weekend. What was it like parting with your baby and allowing someone
else to manage the process of presenting it to the audience in Zimbabwe?
DT: As Head Designer, one has
assistant designers with whom I work with, as a team. The assistants help
manage processes when I am away, as they know and understand the mission of the
brand. It is because of this fact that delegation is a less stressful exercise.
Being able to delegate allows for growth. The practice of sharing
responsibility allows for effortless expansion, which results in exponential
growth and refined talent and this is the way forward as South Africa to grow
and nurture talent.
RM:
Showcasing at any fashion week takes time, money, human resources and all sorts
of other bits and pieces that play a huge role. What kind of challenges did you
find yourself facing having to cope with production of collections for both
Cape Town and New York?
DT: Challenges are a part of
life. They are the processes that refine a rough diamond. A lot of planning and
partners are needed to able to orchestrate a feat such as New York Fashion
Week. Many thanks to:
- National Empowerment Fund
- Brand SA
- Africa Fashion International
- Onpoint PR
- Cadence Communication and PR in
NYC
- Umzingeli Production –
Jan-Malan
RM:
When are we South Africans, likely to get a taste and/or our hands on your
collection from MBFWNY?
DT: Brace yourself for Mercedes-Benz
Africa Fashion Week 2012.
RM:
What else did you get up to on your trip to New York, this time around?
DT: Working on business
relationships and concreting the presence of David Tlale in New York.
RM:
What can we look forward to next from David Tlale and the brand?
DT: Watch the space…
Thank you so much to David
Tlale for taking the time to answer our questions. We’re forever intrigued as
to what we’ll see next and we’re always grateful to have the brand as a fellow
South African. As we anticipate a show stopping experience for Mercedes-Benz Fashion
Week Africa, we, from Renaissance Men, say Good Luck and hope to see more impossibility
become reality.
Please note all images are courtesy of Craig Berrit-Getty Images North.
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