WORDS Malibongwe Tyilo FASHION SHOW PHOTOS SDR Photo
Some of our favourite moments of creativity in recent times have been brought about by collaboration – between brands and individuals. And as we head into the second half of 2015 we have no doubt this trend will grow stronger. Some of our favourite team players told us about their process.
DAVID TLALE AND THE INTERN
In 2012, fashion designer David Tlale started an internship programme whereby selected young designers would spend a year interning with him, produce a line called The Intern, and afterwards move on to showing their individual labels. The programme came to fruition in 2014 as the interns showed their first ranges.
What did you look for in the interns?
We looked for qualified designers who wanted to take it to the next level and for originality, because we need people who stand out and who have potential for global appeal.
What did the programme entail?
They worked daily, collaborating and learning with us as part of the David Tlale brand from 8am to 4pm, and after hours they continued working on their personal projects. They were closely monitored and guided throughout the process to ensure they came out with not only an understanding of business but also the highest quality and finishes.
The Interns
What did you learn during the internship?
Nokwanda Ngcobo: I didn’t think it was possible to acquire so many skills in one year. I’ve learnt about the design process, business etiquette,
styling a range and positioning myself as a brand through collaborations.
How has the process affected your approach to the business of fashion?
Ayanda Mthembu: Before, I only wanted to explore the artistic and conceptual aspects of fashion. This internship taught me the importance of balancing artistic expression with business savvy.
Do you see potential for future collaborations in your career?
Nokwanda: I think as you grow and evolve as a designer, collaborations with other artists and associates must be part of any business and personal growth explorations.
HOUSE OF OLE AND NELSON MAKAMO
Fashion brand House of Ole, owned by Ole Ledimo, recently collaborated with artist Nelson Makamo on a fashion range shown at South African Fashion Week A/W 2015. The range saw the artist paint on tailored suits, and the results set social media abuzz and the fashion set clamouring to wear the pieces.
How did the collaboration come about?
Ole: Nelson came to me for a suit for an awards ceremony and we started chatting about the craft and detail that go into a tailored suit. He was intrigued by the art of bespoke tailoring and he shared the parallel lines between my work and his work, and bang, the idea of collaboration was on the table.
Nelson: I’ve always had a lot of respect for Ole, and our conversation made me realise there are other opportunities outside the traditional art world to expose people to art.
When working together, how do you maintain a spirit of openness and sharing?
Ole: Collaboration is powerful in the sense that you have two strong forces working together, each bringing skill and experience.
Nelson: Ole’s trust in me made it easy for me to trust him back. The most important thing I learnt was that the more we work together, the more we embrace our culture.
Any future collaboration?
Ole: Yes, a ready-to-wear collection.