Cape Town - An art gallery provided the setting for glam-loving designer David Tlale’s fashion show this weekend.
Tlale converted Cape Town’s unfinished freeway into a fashion ramp and closed a street in the Bo-Kaap to show off his designs
at previous fashions shows.
He returned to the Bo-Kaap yesterday to the Gallery Momo for a off-site event which formed part of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
Socialites and fashionistas shared the front row with everyone else, as is customary at Tlale’s shows. A single row of clear plastic chairs was positioned against the walls.
The serenity of the gallery provided the backdrop for Tlale to introduce his first bridalwear range.
He broke with tradition, with no white in sight, instead opting for more daring designs utilising colour, bronze and metallics.
Tlale went big on jingle with metal embellishments on his gowns, instead of the standard glass beads, diamante and pearls. He said his embellishment for the range was simple.
A light yellow gown with metal embossed flowers on the bodice was particularly striking .
And for the bolder bride, Tlale had plenty of multi-coloured animal prints matched with metallics.
His show closed with a dashing groom whose suit had a long-trail with the jacket composed from a metallic gold fabric.
The designer took questions from the media.
Smiling behind his shades he said: “My bride is daring. She breaks all the rules. I want to set a trend here. I was brought up thinking brides had to wear a white dress and look a certain way.”
He described venturing into the bridalwear scene as a natural progression for his business.
“I want this detailing and craftmanship to exude South Africaness. Yet, this collection can be seen anywhere in the world... Brides can be fashionable.”
Other designers whose work was shown at the glittering V&A Waterfront event included Dax Martin, W35T, Lalesso and Michelle Ludek.
To see video coverage of Tlale’s show see:
Weekend Argus