Ex-miss SA reveals ‘What’s Beneath’
DAVID Tlale is one of the most prolific forces in local fashion. His collections have always made the news and during Mercedes-benz Fashion Week Cape Town, his off-site showcase was welcome respite from unrelenting bad weather.
Now the designer has returned with yet another collection, as a part of his collaborative relationship with the underwear brand, Jockey. It’s the Autumn/winter 2017 range.
This time around, Tlale chose Tatum Keshwar, Miss South Africa in 2008, to be the Brand Ignitor of the Jockey by David Tlale AW17 collaborative range.
SM caught up with Keshwar, who let us in on what her new duties entail.
What are your earliest Jockey memories?
When I was in high school, I remember the campaign billboards and TV ads and the wholesome image they portrayed. I remember wanting to be a Jockey girl. I also remember the 1990s trend of having the Jockey band showing above the top your jeans. I remember thinking how cool, yet daring, that was!
How did you become the Brand Ignitor of the Jockey by David Tlale AW17 collaborative range?
I have always known I wanted to do a campaign with the brand because I feel a resonance with what it portrays: freshness, wholesomeness and confidence. In the same way that I have a strong resonance with the brand that is David Tlale.
David and I have worked together for years. I understand his brand well and I buy into the vision for the direction he is taking it.
We have a great synergy so it just made sense that when the opportunity for a collaboration was presented, I would jump to work with two incredible brands that promote the empowerment and celebration of women and the body as beautiful.
What does being in this position entail?
Leveraging my profile and influence to highlight this wonderful collaboration between Jockey and David Tlale for the Jockey by David Tlale “What’s Beneath” range.
Were you privy to the designs beforehand and did you give any input?
Being as close to David as I am, I am always in his studio looking over his shoulder, so I am always seeing things in the raw form way before he presents them to the world.
That being said, one never disturbs a maestro at work! I did get to see the prints being formed and refined and just knew that the range would be something I would love to wear!
Miss SA contestants wear garments like the revealing ones in this range on stage. Where do you draw the confidence?
I believe confidence comes from within, and it starts in the mind. I keep my confidence in myself intact by nourishing my body and mind. I eat healthily, exercise regularly, keep up to date with current affairs and read a lot.
The feelings behind the range of fantasy, luxury, sensuality and indulgence all lend themselves to what we can feel when we are confident in our skin and in “what’s beneath.”
Which is your favourite piece in the collection?
I love every single piece in this range as there is one for every mood and feeling I could possibly want to feel and evoke in my day-to-day living.
The Jockey by David Tlale AW17 collaborative range is available at Jockey stores nationally.