Fashion in the frame as David Tlale launches latest collection in gallery

South African haute couture designer David Tlale swaps the catwalk for a gallery to showcase his latest art at this year's Audi Joburg Fashion Week.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (JANUARY 22, 2010) REUTERS - South African designer David Tlale unveiled his latest designs on Friday (January 22), inviting guests to view his art on models positioned in a Johannesburg gallery.
Closed to the public, the show offered invited guests a glimpse of his 2010 autumn/winter collection.

As guests arrived they saw Tlale seated on a throne and models posing as mannequins dressed in garments flavoured in gold, bronze, brown and touches of red that were inspired by contemporary architecture.

Many expressed surprise and delight at the unusual presentation in which models stood on ladders, lounged on chairs or revolved on platforms.

"I think it takes it to a whole new level. It's like an international standard that's great to see here and a concept on an exhibition, I wish it could last longer to share with more people but it's moving in such a great space and really international. It's very exciting," said one guest.

"Fantastic, breathtaking. I mean for the fact that you didn't have to sit down. You know, I mean you had to walk through, it's like an exhibition, the detail, the fabric. I just don't know. I could go on forever. Fantastic. I've never seen anything like this before," added another.

Tlale was named Elle New Talent Winner in 2003.

Since then, he has showcased his work in Cape Town, Dar es Salaam, Paris, Washington and made his New York debut last September.

The young designer says he's passionate about bringing African fashion to a global stage.

"I believe Africa is starting to make its move and we just need to embrace it. And as Africans we need to start supporting one another because I believe as Africans we've got greater talent than anyone else in the world because of our aesthetics and also our raw materials and also our diversity and how we embrace and love colour," Tlale said.

Now in its fourth year, Audi Joburg Fashion Week offers a platform for aspiring South African designers to launch careers while top international and local designers showcase their collections.