TOP fashion designer David Tlale flew out to New York last night, ready for international critics and buyers of his designs.

Tlale is capitalising on the hype around the Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week, beginning tomorrow, to present his "Glam-Intersections" collection at the South African Consulate General's offices next Tuesday.

The collection will feature 15 looks which will also form part of his Joburg Fashion Week presentation in March.

While it won't be his first appearance at one of the four fashion capitals of the world - along with Milan, Paris and London - Tlale said this time around it was "daunting" because he was alone and not showcasing at "group presentations".

Tlale said yesterday: "We've looked at and studied trends in New York and realised that fashion has progressed and become more practical rather than avant-garde.

"We've taken note without losing the DT signature. And in this mammoth global fashion industry, I'm more nervous than ever."

Explaining his "Glam-Intersections" collection, Tlale said it was a clashing of vintage trends of the 1950s and 1970s and current trends, which could still be classified as ready-to-wear womenswear.

The silhouettes were "defined", with pencil skirts in various lengths and blouses with bouquet sleeve detailing.

Tlale's frocks would also be topped off with crocodile belts and his new DT range of luxury handbags.