PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Plettenberg Bay is becoming a fashion hot spot attracting big names in the industry to the small town.
Renowned SA designer David Tlale – whose work has graced the catwalks around the world, including in New York and Paris – is one of these fashion gurus who recently visited Plett to help aspiring designers and will be back soon to share more of his knowledge.
Tlale presented a fashion design workshop, hosted by FriCreatives, at the Roman Catholic town hall earlier this month and plans on returning in June for a follow-up workshop to assist fashion designers in making their own clothing ranges.
Third visit to Plett
This would be his third visit to the town following a showcase by Tlale at the 24-Hour Reunion Fashion Show in December last year, when he also gave a workshop on his expertise in the fashion industry.
During his latest visit, Tlale not only shared his accomplishments over the past 15 years in the industry but also some tips on becoming successful in this competitive industry.
His accomplishments include becoming the first SA fashion designer to showcase solo at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York in September 2012. He has taken his work around the world and partnered with several influential brands in South Africa.
During his latest visit, Tlale not only shared his accomplishments over the past 15 years in the industry but also some tips on becoming successful in this competitive industry.
String of awards
Tlale was further awarded Fashion Designer of the Year at the African Fashion Awards in Johannesburg, and later made his debut at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. He has since won more awards, including Fashion Designer of The Year in the African Diaspora in New York City and has also travelled to Paris and Dubai to showcase his collections.
Tlale is also the man behind the popular TV series The Intern.
Among those who attended the workshop were fashion design students, designers, a matriculant from the Outeniqua High School in George, boutique owners, fabric shop owners and seamstresses.
Expert advice
The designer also took time to evaluate every up-and-coming designer’s garments and gave them his expert opinion on improving.
“David Tlale gave me a whole new perspective on fashion as a student and a new individual in the industry.
"What will stick with me for the rest of my life is the importance of excellence. Always be one 100%, don’t ever do half a job and expect to ‘make it’ financially. Stay in your lane, be yourself and strive to be the best version of yourself," said Nelson Mandela University student Samantha Cunningham.
Plett local Andrea Richards of The Studio Boutique said she too found the workshop “extremely useful”.
'Incredible' experience
“I am still new in the industry and only opened The Studio Boutique last year July. To have someone of David’s calibre present the workshop was incredible and so was the fact that he took the time to present it. I think that a follow-up workshop on preparing a range for the fashion show and retail in the industry will help to grow the fashion industry in the Garden Route.”
FriCreatives founder and chief executive Mpumelelo Mvunelwa said all participants would be invited to return for a second workshop to start developing them and assisting them with making their own clothing ranges.
Next up, a competition
“This second workshop will incorporate a competition involving selecting the best creative fashion designers and garments. All will be curated and mentored by Tlale,” Mvunelwa said.
He added that the coming workshop would be in the build-up for 2018 24-Hour Reunion Fashion show on 30 June and 1 July later this year.
The event will take place in Plettenberg Bay at The White House venue.
ARTICLE: YOLANDÉ STANDER, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD CORRESPONDENT
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