“Life is our runway; let us celebrate it in style and elegance on a daily basis.” David Tlale

“All hail the King, David Tlale,” who has a passionate penchant for experiential design, ensuring that his audience always gets what they come for – an unforgettable experience - with a continuous re-invention of his Brand each and every season.

Falling in love with fashion in 1993, it was in an ordinary accounting class that David realised he was destined for greater things that did not involve accountancy, but rather artistic interpretation in the world of fashion.

Believing that fashion is a way of life, no matter who you are or where you come from; David understands the impact and influence of fashion on the individual, from day one. Emerging talent is what excites David most, when it comes to the fashion platform in South Africa, as well as the evolution of Designers and the Industry, from the days of Shaka Zulu to today. Technology and politics have played a pivotal role in the life and breath of fashion and South African Designers, such as himself, have changed the game on the global frontier, showcasing at New York Fashion Week,
thus taking talent beyond South Africa’s borders to the world.

Excited for the next five years in fashion, David believes that South African fashion is changing the continental game, emerging on the international platform, and producing premium brands that the world is watching. With the passion, platform and infrastructure available, the time has come for South Africans to make their mark on the international fashion calendar.

David draws his inspiration from those around him, including his uncle, who was a “dresser of note.” A technician who wore a three-piece suit on a daily basis, and stored his tools in a modern ‘man bag,’ he had an impact on David both personally and professionally, inspiring him to power dress on a daily basis. In turn this impacts the people David deals with, including clients and colleagues alike. This is evident in the fact that he has repeat business from individuals who return for the power ensembles that encourage them to dress for success.

David is more than a Designer; he perpetuates personality and embraces every element of his demanding schedule. He is all about experience and advocates spontaneity, unless of course, he has a potential ‘hot date.’

When it comes to fashion as a vehicle for inspiring young people, David believes that fashion is art and is a powerful way of communicating. Through his program, The Intern by David Tlale, he affords young designers the opportunity to become great, under his mentorship.

His greatest challenge working in the fashion space has been being part of the movement, and a guinea pig for growth in introducing South Africa into the real business of fashion. Continuously learning and enduring as an Entrepreneur, the road is paved with challenges and a responsibility to play many roles within the business of design, but armed with the key ingredients of determination and drive, David has not only sustained, but succeeded.

His highly anticipated Collection pursues a different direction, which will market new territory, and as the Brand evolves, David aims to inspire through his creations.

We look forward to experiencing the innovation that we have come to expect from
David Tlale at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town 2017 taking place from the
23rd-25th March.

Follow AFI on Twitter and Instagram: @afi_sa for constant Mercedes-Benz Fashion
Week Cape Town updates as well as show schedules and ticket information.

#AFI #MBFWCT17

Follow @maccosmetics and @ghd_southafrica to get the #MBFWCT17 looks locked down.