afrol News, 4 September - A young South African designer, David Tlale, will be showing his latest collection at the Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week taking place in Bryant Park, New York on 11 September 2009. His show will form part of the Promise of Africa Collective Show, together with designers Tiffany Amber, Jewel by Lisa and Eric Raisina.

Tlale was the winner of the recent designer of the year award at the Arise Africa Fashion Awards.

“Showing at New York Fashion Week has long been a dream of mine and I couldn’t be more grateful to AFI and Arise for affording me this opportunity. I’m very optimistic about my collection for New York Fashion Week. I've chosen to title it Cultural Intimacy, because that is what I'm hoping to do: bring the world closer to the diverse cultures of our continent through visual and moving art. I will tell the African story in the way that I know best,” said David Tlale.

Dr Precious Moloi Motsepe, from African Fashion International (AFI), owners of Arise Africa Fashion Week and the Arise Africa Fashion Awards said: “David richly deserves this opportunity after showing a succession of dazzling collections here in Africa. However, showing at Bryant Park is not without its challenges and AFI has stepped in to assist David with sponsorship and support. It is part of our vision to develop designers and having been with him in Paris we are now proud to see him show at yet another internationally-acclaimed fashion week such as New York Fashion Week.”

Taking place on the anniversary of 9/11, Tlale has chosen to celebrate and honour the cultural diversity of Africa and its place on the world stage. This showcase of understated, sensual, feminine garments will capture elements of the vanishing tribes of Southern Africa, whist remaining true to the brand’s ethos of luxury and elegance. Its’ sensitivity to cultural difference and evolution, will provide a stark reminder of how tolerance and acceptance can help the world stay a safe place for generations to come, said the sponsors.

“We are very pleased that the international fashion community will be able to see and share in the charismatic vision of David Tlale. It is broadly recognised that this is the time for Africa to have its turn to shine, and we believe that David will do an excellent job of representing the beauty, depth and ancient craft traditions of Africa,” said Dr Moloi-Motsepe. “As many international designers try to replicate the African tribal motifs and prints in their collections this season, we hope that they will appreciate the authenticity of David’s work, and consider his voice as containing the true spirit of African fashion.”

African Fashion International (AFI), founded, owns and operates the African continent’s most anticipated and directional fashion weeks, namely Cape Town Fashion Week, Durban Fashion Week, Audi Joburg Fashion Week and Joburg Fashion Week, in addition to other fashion-related initiatives.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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