NEW YORK, Sep 3, 2009 / FW/ — Named Designer of the Year at the Arise Africa Fashion Awards last June, young South African designer David Tlale, will be showing his latest collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
As part of the Promise of Africa Collective Show, David Tlale will be sharing the catwalk with other African designers, namely, Tiffany Amber, Jewel by Lisa and Eric Raisina.
“Showing at New York Fashion Week has long been a dream of mine and I couldn’t be more grateful to AFI and Arise for affording me this opportunity. I’m very optimistic about my collection for New York Fashion Week,” says David Tlale.
“I’ve chosen to title it Cultural Intimacy, because that is what I’m hoping to do: bring the world closer to the diverse cultures of our continent through visual and moving art. I will tell the African story in the way that I know best,” explained Tlale about his collection.
Dr Precious Moloi Motsepe, from African Fashion International (AFI) owners of Arise Africa Fashion Week and the Arise Africa Fashion Awards says, “David richly deserves this opportunity after showing a succession of dazzling collections here in Africa. However, showing at Bryant Park is not without its challenges and AFI has stepped in to assist David with sponsorship and support.”
For his Spring 2010 collection, David has chosen to celebrate and honor the cultural diversity of Africa and its place on the world stage. This showcase of understated, sensual, feminine garments will capture elements of the vanishing tribes of Southern Africa, whist remaining true to the brand’s ethos of luxury and elegance.
“We are very pleased that the international fashion community will be able to see and share in the charismatic vision of David Tlale. It is broadly recognised that this is the time for Africa to have its turn to shine, and we believe that David will do an excellent job of representing the beauty, depth and ancient craft traditions of Africa,” says Dr Moloi-Motsepe.
