David Tlale : 'An Icon Living'

David Tlale (29 January 1975) is a South African fashion designer. He was born in a township called Vosloorus in South Africa. David Tlale was raised by a single parent the late Joyce Tlale. David is known by his craft that advocates on its own his work

David Tlale is one of the biggest designers to have come out of South Africa. Notable for showcasing his collections at Cape Town Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, and Paris Fashion Week and has also designed collections for major retailers like Edgars. Known for his extravagant fashion shows and clothes, opulence is aesthetic. David has not only grown his fashion empire but has also branched out in various other ventures including an underwear collaboration with Jockey, a shoe range with Crockett & Jones, and most recently a collaboration with Avon. 

Tlale has always pushed boundaries, not only in his designs but also in how he moves in the business of fashion. After a 15-year international career, and a flagship store that closed, he has managed to rebuild his brand and open four stores nationwide - during a pandemic (iconic), the designers’ new approach to business is to offer Proudly South African affordable luxury to the masses, hence the need for more distribution channels through his stores.

Emperor of fashion David Tlale has been hard at work on a new collaborative range and expanding the reach of his brand, which has seen the shores of New York and will reach Ghana soon.

At House of David Tlale, in the Johannesburg CBD, his team is hard at work, diligently examining fabric and threading seams.

Tlale’s robust aura makes the large waiting area feel puny. Adjacent to the suede sofas and green Persian rug on the floor, his Style Awards grace a mantle above a mini bar fridge filled with his branded water.

Looking to the future, Tlale says his plan for expansion involves his stepping away from outright artistry to fuse his creativity with shrewd business acumen.