David Tlale showcases autumn-winter collection at Gautrain station

Johannesburg-based fashion designer David Tlale knows how to use his home city and its landmarks as a backdrop for his dreams.

Tlale presented his latest autumn-winter collection at the Gautrain station recently. The award-winning designer had previously held a fashion show on the Nelson Mandela bridge in Johannesburg.

Guests arrived at the Gautrain station in Sandton by 9:30pm. This was after the trains ended their daily schedule. Platforms were now clear and the trains were to be used exclusively for Tlale’s show.

Just before 10pm, Tlale welcomed guests including the city’s deputy mayor Loyiso Lugayeni-Masuku, provincial government officials, business and tourism leaders as well as scores of fashion fans.

“Welcome to the city that makes dreams come alive… Tonight is a true testament when you try, you do get something going,” said Tlale.

“Tonight is about making sure we reignite the clothing and textile industry of South Africa. Ask yourself where your garment was made. Ask yourself what or who you are wearing. It is very important that we support local. 

“If I employ one person, that salary goes a very long way. It takes a child to school, to university; it helps your son or daughter get married. It feeds many mouths.”

Tlale said he chose Gautrain station “because we have a beautiful city”. 

“We must just make our city amazing again. This is a city of gold and dreams.”

Gautrain chief executive Tshepo Kgobe told guests they would be walking 13-storeys underground to the Gautrain platform.

He added in an encouraging tone on the cold night: “We are launching a partnership (with Tlale) and we look forward to seeing you in the warmer months.”

Tlale then led guests down lengthy escalators to a waiting train. He was very hands-on throughout the evening. He ushered guests onto the train and was the last person to get on the train when it departed. He walked through carriages to greet guests and take photos with them.

The train headed to Johannesburg Park Station. It stopped and soon after another train arrived — with models. In total, 70 models walked the runway, which was a loop around a few hundred chairs at least. 

One model said it took six minutes to walk around the audience, which every model had to do to show off the garments. Tlale’s luxury designs for men and women appeared in original prints and layered style.

Guests were able to see the clothes close-up as models joined them on the train back to Sandton station. This also gave the impression that fashion was accessible, instead of exclusively for the catwalk.

Being able to engage with the designs in-person enabled guests to also have a better look at the fabrics, details and prints. This also felt like an interesting fashion editorial, placing models in designer wear alongside commuters.

“Everything you see in the collection is proudly made in Johannesburg… Let’s build again. But now with knowledge and excellence,” Tlale said after the show.

“Let’s bring back the beauty. Let’s raise the bar in the fashion industry.”

Tlale’s autumn-winter collection is available at his store at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg.