DAVID TLALE WAS HERE
International fashion icon, and one of the few African designers who has a permanent slot at international showcases at some of the big capitals of Fashion, David Tlale is rebuilding his business empire.
The rebuilding comes on the backdrop of the crippling Covid- 19 pandemic that literally affected the entire world. Tlale was recently in the country for his first showcase since the world opened up in the backdrop of the Covid- 19 pandemic. On his website, the David Tlale brand is described as a brand that stands out from the crowds, thanks to a design elegance that challenges the clichéd and predictable. The 47 year- old has showcased at an array of global fashion events including the Cape Town Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion week. In the eighteen years that he has been in the industry, he has dressed the elite that includes Black Panther actress Florence Kasumba, American gospel sensation, Kirk Franklin, Nomzamo Mbatha, to mention a few.
The fashion show was held under the theme: Winter Glam. And was a build up to the Gabs July event pencilled to take place this Saturday at the National Agricultural show. His versatile collection ranged from his collaboration with
Avon with touches of bright colours such as Orange, and colourful sunglasses, building up to an eclectic collection that literally takes one’s breath away in shades of brown, black and white. It was such a thrill to see a collection of this calibre, almost taking one to the days when Gaborone was lit with some exciting fashion show concepts that brought to the city some of the top designers from Mozambique, South Africa and other African countries. Those who are hungry for showcasing of this magnitude are hopeful that other previous concepts will rise from the ash, and set ramps of the city on fire. Cat walking down the ramp, it was such a breath of fresh air to see how almost all of the over twenty pieces were something that one can buy and wear comfortably. Speaking during the press briefing, Tlale shared that he agreed to be part of the event, as Botswana and South Africa are neighbours, and that he loves the continent. He also said that post the pandemic, he needed to solidify and resuscitate the brand in Botswana, and that they want support from Batswana. “We want to tell people that we still make clothes. And the beautiful cross pollination between Botswana and South Africa has to keep growing,” he said. More than anything, he said that this was his way of promoting the creative industry. The self- appointed ambassador for his country, said that it was his wish to see people buying clothes again. “We want to see people starting to look great again, and getting out of their track suits, as we are slowly coming out of the pandemic,” he said. He further said that the fashion industry in Botswana is growing, and that the fact that there were events such as the Gabs July fashion show, meant that there was hope for the industry. He also noted that it was not only about Botswana but dreams to see the continent was taking centre stage globally. And wished that he could see talent growing out of Botswana and taking over the world. “Hopefully, getting some of the designers from Botswana to showcase in South Africa, and at international stages,“adding that the likes of Thabang Mmolotsi ( who coordinated the event), Dr. Thanolo Keutlwile and other models were doing well in South Africa and it is because of them that he was in the country. “We want to see the business side of it really becoming greater,” he said. He further said that in the years that his brand has been in existence, what has kept him going is the grace of God. Nineteen years in the industry, he said it is hard. Tlale said that behind the beautiful pictures that are shared on social media lies a lot of hard work and sleepless nights. “Our brand was founded on nothing but the word of God. From conception and me going to school has been all about God. Through the journey of nineteen years and the pandemic, it has been nothing but God,” said Tlale. He further said that he was surrounded by a strong team, and that there was no David Tlale without them. “It is very important to surround yourself with people who are supportive of your vision and the dream that you have as a leader. And also looking at the continent with how they have supported us, the media and our customers. More than anything else, our customers keep us going, and the more that they buy, the more we are saying, we always going to be here,” said Tlale. He further said that he was not in the Fashion industry as a job, but that this was his life. “I choose to work, I chose to be a designer whether there is a pandemic or not,” he added.
He also explained that their global journey has been educational to them, and that it has taught them valuable lessons such as costing the product, and marketing it, and putting it into the retail space.
He said that they wanted to expand their retail footprints, globally and everywhere else. He also said that they have learnt that they need to take their craft seriously, and that what they do has an impact. The business was an eco- system instead of a one- man show. “The fashion industry has a value chain that we have to support. Coming back home, every season from New York or Paris teaches me that I have to up my game, and be intentional about what I do.” He also said that he wanted to see the African narrative being told on the global stage.