92 models on Nelson Mandela bridge

The Modjadji Crown, one of the 18 jewellery pieces that were specially designed for David Tlale’s show by Djadji Platinum. The plain and corrugated visor-like headband is sterling silver and weighs 3.85kg. The piece was manufactured by Esther Beukes of Beaudell Designs under supervision of Eve Maree.

"The city of Johannesburg is buzzing with vibrant energy, urban structures and all that is reflective of the 21st Century Africa and it boasts one of the most respected statesman, Madiba, as its resident," explains Tlale.

Being the first designer to ever showcase on a monumental structure such as the Nelson Mandela Bridge, Tlale says that there's a calculated reason behind this decision. "We have gone back to the drawing board and captured the essence of fashion design and infused it with the brand's aesthetic. It symbolizes a new direction and captures the essence of city life."

For the collection, he has infused hard and soft fabrics, experimented with colour and drawn from tribal influences to materialise his collection. To accessorise this collection, he has formed a strategic partnership with the Joburg-based Anglo-Platinum, which will fully complement his collection.

Local platinum jewellery

In its endeavour to support local beneficiation and inject the much-needed impetus into the local economy, Anglo-Platinum has partnered with the dti's Seda platinum incubator (SPI) scheme, where local people are trained in jewellery design and manufacturing to support emerging jewellers.

"This initiative aligns with our beneficiation principles of moving from an extractive industries economy to include value added manufacturing. By creating sustainable enterprises around our mining communities it promotes economic diversity and reduces reliance on mining companies. We are confident that by affording emerging jewellers the opportunity to participate in this event will hone their creative and technical abilities and bring them into the mainstream of the economy," says Mary-Jane Morifi, executive head, platinum.

Beve Boekhout, centre manager for the SPI adds,"This is a natural collaborative partnership of two design disciplines, where the fashion buyer is given a complete solution in the merchandising of locally produced and beneficiated indigenous resources. This is an organic relationship for the SPI in that Tlale is able to share his success recipe with our incubating jewellery entrepreneurs in following with the pillars of our business development program.

For more information on the collection, go to www.davidtlale.com or go to www.jfw2011.co.za for information on Joburg Fashion Week 2011.