SA’s most acclaimed fashion designer David Tlale, celebrated 15 years in fashion this past weekend with More is More, his latest collection, which showcased during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Johannesburg
Words: Nadine Oosthuizen
More is More took its departure point from fashion’s most legendary interior designer and international style icon, Iris Apfel’s ostentatious manner of accessorising and bold use of colour. This was evident in the collection’s bold use of vibrant colours (bright pink, yellow, blue and green), and multitude of textures (lace, twill, mesh and features). As for the designs itself, guests saw voluminous cuts, overwhelming silhouettes and very long, floor grazing hemlines, which were masterly combined with Tlale’s distinguished “African Chic” design aesthetic and exclusive African prints.
“The objective of this collection is to celebrate the power of women, who I see coming through very strongly in leadership and entrepreneurial roles. Even the menswear designs have feminine touches coming through in support of the women’s powerful look, making them strong and sexy,” says Tlale.
Guests in attendance included former miss South Africa, Candice Abrahams, 5FM DJ Ismail Abrahams, Uju Chimezie, and the muse of Tlale’s collection, former Miss SA Tatum Keshwar, who also modelled in show. Tlale also surprised guests with an impromptu musical performance by Musa Mashiane and the Thoto band.
“I wanted to create a journey where guests can walk through an installation of celebration of the 15 years of our brand, which includes our partnership with Courvoisier Cognac and collaboration with Jockey. At the same time we’re also celebrating our optimism for the future and setting the tone of years to come, where more is more, more length, more volume, more drama!”, explains Tlale.
This collection will create a journey of luxury in African fashion, when it travels from Africa to Paris where it will be introduced to Europe later this year – a clear reminder that more, really is more!
