Tlale tailors big chance for two

Dimakatso Motau

INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed fashion designer David Tlale is investing time nurturing the upcoming generation.

Tlale, who hosted a fashion show to scout for talent in Durban last week, has now chosen his first two long-term interns.

"When I was a young designer we rarely had opportunities like this – of real life designers giving us real life experiences. There is a profound difference between theory and real life," Tlale said.

One of the interns is Sandile Mngadi, 32, of Umlazi, Durban.

"I have been designing clothes for over 10 years and I am glad I now have the chance to work with Tlale. The experience will also allow me to establish and grow my fashion brand and portfolio," he said.

Newly engaged Ruth Samaai, 26, from Durban, said she only had 24 hours to decide whether to move to Johannesburg. "Fortunately my fiancé is understanding and has allowed me to come for the priceless experience." Samaai said she was looking forward to expanding on her fashion knowledge and the theory she learnt from her Durban University of Technology fashion diploma studies.

Said Tlale: "The interns will see us work as we build a collection from scratch, get to work behind the scenes at a fashion week, catch a glimpse of fashion week mania, and see the day-to-day running of the business."

The KwaZulu-Natal department of economic development is funding the initiative.