Share FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail 256 When David Tlale decided to drop auditing to study design more than 20 years ago, he was determined to stand out in the crowded fashion industry. Today, it’s hard to speak about South African fashion without mentioning Tlale, or “The King of Fashion”, as he is known. Tlale made his mark as one of the first designers to use fashion to showcase the beauty of African-styled clothes and the quality of African fabrics. Next week, Tlale will be honoured at the fourth annual African Diaspora. Awards for his contribution to the advancement of Africa – joining the likes of Grammy Award-winning singer Angelique Kidjo and Ethiopian supermodel Liya Kebede, who have been honoured at the prestigious event in the past. “This award is very humbling for me,” says Tlale. “Nobody goes into fashion or the arts with the hopes of getting awards, but it’s mind-blowing when you get the recognition.” But with that recognition comes a lot of pressure, he explains. “Getting this award means I have to work even harder to prove I really deserve it. There are so many other people who could have received it.” More Articles You Would Love How CBD Became the World’s Most Fashionable Supplement Mirrakshi Life Shows What Morocco Is Made Of In Fabulous New Resort & Smock Look Book For Thier ‘Collection 10’ In the same week, Tlale will also be honoured with the African Icon of Hope Award during the African Fashion Design Week in Nigeria, but will send a representative to accept the award on his behalf. “This award means a lot for me because it speaks directly to what I have always wanted to do well on my continent. As a young person who decided to leave a career in auditing for fashion it wasn’t easy convincing the people around me to believe in me. I’m glad I can now be an inspiration to young people and show them a career in fashion is possible if you are willing to work hard – no matter where you come from.” After a decade in the fashion industry, Tlale believes his journey as a “fashion designer with influence” is only just beginning. “The David Tlale brand is finally being recognised for what it is: a symbol of hard work, determination and, of course, luxury.” Source: citizen.co.za african diasporaafrican fashionDavid Tlaledesignerfashion awardsfashion industrySouth Africa Share FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail Ben I think fashion in Africa is about to explode and I am excited to be a part of it. Message me anytime. More For You February by Serwaa Introduces ‘SƐWAA’ with Ahwenepa Nkasa Transitional Collection VIDEO: VLISCO Unveils the New Collection of “Satin Royal” for the festive Season... VIDEO: Nigeria’s Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina Robbed Off Miss Universe 2024 Title & Receives... After Pushing Out Chidimma, Miss SA’s European Queen Drops Out Of Miss Universe;... #BeautyOfTheWeek: Meet The Gorgeous Doctor & Pageant Queen Of Botswana, Dr. Thanolo C.... Farewell to a Trailblazer: Guinea-Bissau’s Dina Adão Passes Away, Leaving a Legacy On... VIDEOS: Watch Chidimma Vanessa Celebrate At Miss Universe 2024 Whilst Dancing To Ghanaian... Africans Have Proudly Accepted Trick Daddy’S Claim As A Non ‘African American’ –... Stunning Cassandre Jacques Exits Miss World Dominican Rupublic Amid Uproar Over Haitian Heritage... #MODELCRUSH: Senegal’s Rising Star Ndey Touty Sakho Checks All Beauty Boxes & Effortlessly...