Last night at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Joburg, King David Tlale shocked the fashion industry. And I for one really liked it. Let me count the ways for you here:
1. His show was on time, on site and without any controversy or drama. Well, there was a bit of delicious drama in the staging and garments, but none that us fashion journalists had to suffer through. That was a winning proposition.
2. He presented a cohesive collection of clothes, perfect for fall/winter2012, hitting the key trends and staying true to his vision.
3. There was houndstooth.
4. There was yellow.
5. There was black lace.
6. There were capelettes.7. There were peplums.
8. There were pussy bows.
9. There were wide legs trousers.
10. There were coloured tights.
9. There were wide legs trousers.
10. There were coloured tights.
11. There was a wonderful gospel choir soundtrack.
12. This really was ready to wear.
13. There was a perfect run of show — as ever — morphing from pants suits in prints all the way through the houndstooth collection into the black evening wear. David always delivers a masterclass in constructing a show.
13. There was a perfect run of show — as ever — morphing from pants suits in prints all the way through the houndstooth collection into the black evening wear. David always delivers a masterclass in constructing a show.
14. There was Tatum Keshwar on the ramp which is always a treat. One which she obviously only did for her friend David.
15. There was support for the young designer Kim Gush, one of the winners of the AFI Fastrack event, as David arrived on the ramp in her incredible jacket.
16. And there was self deprecating humour that made me love David forever ever. He arrived on the ramp to the loud ticking of a clock, as he proceeded to mount the staging and blow his own trumpet. I love when people have the ability to laugh at themselves and their critics. I will always adore this quality in David Tlale. Forever King of local Fashion.
All photos courtesy of SDR Photo