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David Tlale

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
RENOWNED South African fashion guru David Tlale will share his vast fashion knowledge with local designers at an Edgars Designers initiative taking place on Friday in Harare at the Meikles Hotel.

Tlale who is expected in the country on Friday will address the designers at a workshop dubbed “From Runway to Retail”. There, he will discuss their designs and brands.

Edgars marketing executive Rumbidzai Dzimba said Jewel Magazine editor and fashion entrepreneur, Tsitsi Mutendi, will be a co-speaker at the workshop. She is expected to shed more light on penetrating the Zimbabwean clothing market.

After the workshop, Tlale will showcase his range “david by David Tlale” at the Meikles Hotel in the evening. He will be joined by Edgars Designers initiative interns and local designers – Sekai Sandamu (Sekai KAISAN), Heather Madhlabuta (Heather DVJ) and Kudakwashe Chihungwa (Kuda K7).

Dzimba said they had partnered Tlale as he fits the mould of a designer who has done well in terms of international fashion. Tlale who has showcased in Paris, New York and Washington is best known for bringing a touch of drama to both his designs and his runway shows. He has dressed Beyonce’s parents Tina and Richard, Pearl Thusi, Somizi, and international model Tyson Beckford.

“We identified David Tlale as we were looking for an African designer that has made it in the various quadrants of fashion. Tlale has showcased at various regional and international fashion shows, therefore he understands ‘runway’ fashion,” said Dzimba.

“Tlale has sold his products through clothing retailers in South Africa such as Legit, hence he has exposure on the commercial side of business. He owns his own boutiques and pop up stores in South Africa and the United States of America, therefore has niche market exposure.”

She said there was a lot of untapped talent in the country which they hope to expose and develop.

“There’s so much raw and untapped talent in Zimbabwe, all just requiring resourcing and up skilling. Investing in raw talent goes a long way in bringing freshness to the industry,” said Dzimba.