David Tlale’s resort collection was presented on Wale Street in Bo-Kaap. It is so much fun when a designer takes the initiative to to do an off-site fashion show! Not that there is anything bad about the CTICC, but come on its way more inspirational to watch in a place steeped in culture and history! With this year’s event starting off at the City Hall and Tlale presenting in Bo-Kaap, means it is only going to get better next year.
It was like a Hollywood scene with a throng of journalists all over the place and people watching from balconies.
Bo-Kaap had seen it all but this was the first time it had hosted one of Tlale’s avant garde creativity.
It was a scene to behold. Even the beautiful Table Mountain that posed gracefully a few kilometres away worked beautifully as a magnificent back-drop.
The fashion king, as Tlale has modelled himself with his over-the-top creativity, made his usual grand entrance in a convertible Mercedes-Benz driven by a woman wearing a head scarf.
Straight afterwards models in white clothes, wearing hair curlers and head scarfs walked down the street without music as the crowd erupted into measured cheers, careful not to offend the fasting community. The resort collection that featured ladies skirts, male skirts, trousers and dresses got good reviews from most people. It was a deviation from Tlale’s usual dramatic collections.
“The whole show was paying homage to my Coloured heritage. My mother and my grandmother are Coloured,” said Tlale.
He added that convincing people in the area about the event was very difficult.
“Selling this idea was hard. After long running talks with the people from the area, we managed to reach an agreement. We had some people protesting saying we cannot have this during the holy month. My aim was for people to feel the heartbeat of the area. That is why we did not close the shops,” he said.
Over the years, Tlale’s fashion shows have, like many of his leading international design counterparts, become a phenomena within the fashion weeks they showcase at, for their uniqueness and artsy presentations.
Like many of his forward-thinking designers they don’t rely on their clothes alone to attract attention and find unique ways to get people talking.
(www.sowetanlive.co.za)
