It has been a good few weeks for local designer David Tlale, who appears in the current edition of Time magazine, which calls him "arguably Africa's best-known designer".
The article is about Africa's growing influence in the fashion industry. ''The industry needs new blood," Tlale is quoted as saying. "Armani is tired. Galliano is trying to resuscitate himself. McQueen is gone. Gucci is failing to reinvigorate, and Prada needs a new creative team. It's time for the big fashion investors to start looking at Africa."
It is not the only recognition Tlale has received in international print lately. He is also listed in London-based New African magazine this month as one of the most influential Africans of 2014, alongside Lupita Nyongo and Thuli Madonsela.
And last week he won the first African Icon of Hope award, which recognises a significant contribution to the world made by an African. ''The award is proof that we're also doing something right within the African context," he says of the recognition of his creative work.
Also last week, Tlale was named the Designer of the Year at the fourth annual African Diaspora Awards in New York. Four-hundred people were at the event to pay tribute to the African actors, leaders, entrepreneurs, musicians and designers shaping the world.
In his acceptance speech, Tlale thanked his mother. "Although she didn't understand what I'm doing, today, she is my No1 fan."
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