David Tlale hosted a spectacular fashion show that looked like a scene from The Great Gatsby in Johannesburg at the weekend.
While it was a colossal affair, the shindig was in keeping with the Covid-19 pandemic safety measures.
The most noticeable measure taken was that the showcase was presented in two sessions with a limited number of patrons – one in the morning and afternoon.
In true Tlale style, champagne for both showcases was flowing more than the Vaal River.
“The show was different in how it was curated into two groups… what was beautiful was how people embraced it,” Tlale said.
“Beyond anything it was an experience, which epitomised luxury and bringing people together. It was about having that celebration of seeing people again because it has been a long time since we engaged like that at social gatherings.
“Not having live shows has affected us psychological and creatively. It has been great to not do a virtual showcase, but to do a live show.”
It was the perfect poolside party under the tropical glam theme at the outdoor rooftop deck of the African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel.
The extravaganza opened with a xibelani (Tsonga skirt) dance-off inside the pool. The dancers moved to the rhythmic drum beats of Black Motion’s Prayer For Rain.
The show closed with scantily clad male models in speedos. It wasn’t just any male models; one of them was scorching hot Generations: The Legacy actor Vuyo Dabula, who plays Gadaffi in the soapie.
Dabula, 44, admitted to Sowetan that he was so nervous and intimidated by the younger models that in morning session he didn’t strip down to his undies.
“It was a lot more fun than anything … the swimwear was quite weird. I didn’t even think I was in good shape. When he [Tlale] asked me I just said yes but I wasn’t ready and I got into this whole week of dieting and working out heavily. When the time came, it felt a bit awkward. I felt a bit too old for that,” Dabula said.
“So, the second time around I got into the water with the guys and we walked. It felt weird because I hadn’t done modelling in that way in such a long time. But it was fun.”
Tlale added: “The excitement of having the models in the pool was phenomenal. It brought a spark in people’s eyes.”
Female models included Tlale’s muses Tatum Keshwar and Lalla Hirayama strutting their stuff in pieces from the Exotic Summer Collection that he designed in collaboration with Avon.
The collection features items such as a signature Tlale tote, sling, watch, sunglasses and kaftans at an affordable price. They are complemented by David Tlale Exotic for Him and David Tlale Exotic for Her fragrances.
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