David Tlale makes his Hollywood debut

31 January 2018 - 10:54
By Emmanuel Tjiya
Image: ALON SKUY David Tlale

Local actors Connie Chiume, John and Atandwa Kani are not the only ones currently living it up in Hollywood.

At the Black Panther world premiere on Monday night in Los Angeles, South African fashion designer David Tlale made his long-awaited Hollywood debut.

Tlale dressed German-Ugandan actress Florence Kasumba, who plays the role of Ayo in the superhero film.

The 41-year-old beauty went gothic glamour in a corseted  and beaded lace gown, with a daring front slit and velvet finishing.

It was a momentous occasion for Tlale, as he celebrated his 43rd birthday on the day.

“It all happened on my birthday which made it even more special,” Tlale gushed

“Florence is an amazing actor and I am honoured that she asked for me. This is an exciting moment not only for me but for African fashion.

Florence Kasumba in David Tlale
Image: Rich Polk/Getty Images for Disney Florence Kasumba in David Tlale

“It fits her body like a glove. She was so excited to receive it and when she did the fitting in Berlin on Saturday, they face-timed me and it looked beyond phenomenal.

“You can never go wrong with a black dress on the red carpet. We wanted to give Florence a timeless look and favourite colour is black – a perfect match.

Aside from Black Panther, Kasumba has appeared in Wonder Woman, Avengers: Infinity War and Captain America: Civil War.

She will next appear in upcoming sci-fi movie Muted, alongside Alexander Skarsgård, Paul Rudd and Justin Theroux.

Kasumba features in the star-studded cast of The Lion King with Donald Glover, Beyoncé, James Earl Jones, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard and Kani.