DAVID Tlale is walking a mile in Vogue Editor Anna Wintour's shoes, as he launched his own Met Gala prestigious annual event he called the "David Tlale Premium Gala".
The award-winning fashion designer on Tuesday hosted 60 VIPS including Ekurhuleni Mayor Mzwandile Masina, model Tatum Keshwar, businesswoman Savita Mbuli at Saxon Hotel and Spa to show off his concept that is set to take place annually on Valentine's Day.
"Nothing happens in Johannesburg, we are the hub of fashion, entertainment and this is where most stars live but when events are created they are not held in this city.
"The idea is to have Johannesburg have it's own prestigious annual event that all big names want to be a part of as they dress up according to theme and look forward to being part of it every year," said Tlale.
His concept follows the 1946 founded Met Gala, a themed fundraising soiree chaired by Wintour that benefits the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Costume Institute in New York and attended by international A-listers annually. It's dubbed the "must have invite of the year" by the international press.
Like it, Tlale aims to build a fashion museum by 2019 that will hold heritage and cultural garments while also being home to African icons capsulating their iconic garments that made history like Esther Mahlangu's Ndebele garments which Tlale said "have made her a fashion icon internationally".
"We will be holding two galas this year in July and November which will be ways to raise fund for the museum we are building in Gauteng that will showcase how traditional garments are made, what they look like from Votrekker outfits to Shibelani (tsonga traditional skirt). This will also showcase icons like Miriam Makeba's garments which have been replicated by many artists today like Lira who's carried on with that fashion sense.
"It will be a great way to educating school children, fashion designers and the world about out fashion, where it comes from and how it has transformed," said Tlale.
Reluctant disclose the cost of a seat at this event, Tlale already received the backing for his first gala from Masina who vowed to host the Christmas in Winter themed event on July 14 in Ekurhuleni.
"David is from the east and there is plenty to be seen in the east that many might not know about, which is why we are opening our invitation to hosting this event there," said Masina who attended the three-course dinner with his wife Sinazo. - published in The Times & Sowetan (16/02/2017)
