20 Years of David Tlale : The Brand

“Love and embrace who you are. Not all of us are called to be lawyers, doctors and auditors. Some of us are meant to be creatives.”

This week we not only celebrate David Tlale the brand, but 20 years of Dossier photographing his incredible creations. We interviewed him for our 2023 Icon Storytellers article:

David Tlale, celebrated South African fashion designer, has made an indelible mark on the global fashion industry. David Tlale’s rise in South Africa to global recognition is a testament to his unparalleled talent, resilience, and unwavering passion for fashion. Through his innovative designs and boundary-pushing creativity, he has not only carved out a successful career but has also challenged stereotypes and shattered barriers within the industry. With each collection, collaboration, and runway show, Tlale continues to inspire aspiring designers and redefine the perception of African fashion on a global scale.

If someone had to sum up your life story, how will it read?

It’s a life of happiness, fun and changing the narrative of the African fashion space. More than anything else, I think my life story is centered around who God is in my life and what he has done and what is doing in my journey and where God is taking me through the medium of fashion. Ensuring the legacy of David Tlale can always be remembered throughout the years and time.

How did your career begin?

My career started in 1993 when I was in University studying internal auditing which became boring. I started hanging out with students that were studying fashion and I started going to class with them, and I knew this was the career I wanted to be in. I started studying fashion at the Vaal University of Technology and I was best student in my second and third and fourth year. After that I became a lecturer for 4 and a half years. In 2003 I won the Elle Magazine New Talent Award which led to one opportunity after another. The wonderful part of this is that I feel I have been called on this journey and understanding what God has bestowed on me. I’m a living testimony of what can do in somebodies life, from absolutely nothing, a simple young man from Vosloorus to building a proudly South African global brand.

What has been the highlight?

I bless the day that I was sitting in that auditing class that I made the decision to walk away and become a fashion designer. Most recently my biggest accolade was acquiring an honourary Doctorate degree from the Tswane University of Technology in Arts and Design. This has been an affirmation of my journey and story.

How do you keep your energy going?

I keep my energy going through prayer, gym, eating healthy but mostly through travel. Travel and meeting people inspire me and I realize that the world is really small.

What is the hardest thing about achieving success?

Realising that success is a journey, you never achieve it. Understand that you are always on a journey and you have to keep reinventing yourself. Mostly stay human stay humble and appreciate what God is doing in your life.

Has things changed for you in the past three years?

During the pandemic we had to restructure how we approached business.

Who has been the biggest influence in your career?

Nelson Mandel....if a young man born in Qunu could become a global icon then David Tlale could do it.

And my mother, a simple woman who was a domestic worker, who made many sacrifices to see that
I finished school. Later in life I celebrated my moms life by making her my muse and making sure she enjoyed my career with me. More than anything she taught me that when the chips are down, all that works is prayer.

Do you have a motto you live by?

Absolutely. My favourite scripture in the book of Phillipians is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” I love that scripture because it doesn’t say I can do some things, it says I can do ALL things which means anything is possible as long as I believe in Christ.

You are obviously a people’s person - otherwise you would not be where you are- is it a trait you had to earn and learn? Or born with it?

I’m actually an introvert, so I’ve learnt the skill of communication over time because in my business I work with people. Time has taught humility and to celebrate other people and that no matter who you are we are all human. I still have my flaws and I’m still learning.

What inspires you?

What really inspires me is life!
My ups, my downs, my pain my happiness, when I’m in love when I fall out love, business. Just the simple things in life inspire me, because as humans we complicate everything for ourselves. As people we are the ones who mess it up and complicate it.

What are some of your daily habits?

My day starts off with daily devotions, working out, listening to music, and from time to time have an amazing night out with friends, but beyond that I know that I have to work all the time.

What have been your most significant failures, and what did you learn from them?

Failures. I have learnt that you don’t fail but you learn. Never give up, try again, know that I am human, I am bound to disappoint people but more so I am bound to make people happy. What I have learnt is give my business one more day, on a daily basis.

One more day to try again and rise up. Rise like a phoenix.

How do you plan for your business’s future?

My plan for the future is to build a global brand that is proudly made in South Africa. The brand must become a global phenomenon.

What has been your biggest “a- ha” moment?

Ah-ah .. not that deep but understanding that life is simple, we are here for borrowed time, have fun. Love hard, give love, eat well and take care of yourself.

Enjoy the journey as we only have today.

Top 3 websites or blogs you can’t imagine your day without.

I just need the Bible.

How do you manage your work-life balance?

Work life balance. My relationship with God keeps me sane as I work very hard.

Where do you see yourself in five to ten years from now?

Five years.....I see the brand being global but keeps reinventing itself. I would like to see myself as a person who touches other peoples lives. My plans for the future is to build a global brand that is proudly made in South Africa. The brand must become a global phenomenon.

www.davidtlale.com

For the full issue click here: https://dossiermag.net/home/dossier-magazine-annual-2023-is-here

Photography: Tim Gerges