Fashion designer David Tlale, who works with internationally acclaimed models, is accused of not being a model employer to South African models.
The Vosloorus-born designer has been struggling to pay out models who walked in his couture garments at the Tlale Vosloo To New York show which took place at Vosloorus Civic Centre on June 6.
Three models who spoke to Sunday World on condition of anonymity said they had lost trust in the David Tlale brand when he failed to follow through with his commitment to pay by a set time.
A 28-year-old model from Sandton said two weeks ago he committed himself to make payment that was already due.
The payments are yet to be made. “The thing is David chose his models himself… and of course, he has very high standards.
So the fact that he chose us, shows that this is someone who would let us walk his garment but then you don’t pay us. It
doesn’t add up,” she said.
The models confirmed only one model was paid a sum of R500 and no contract was signed, however, a list of names was sent out as a form of a binding contract between Tlale and his models.
“That was the only time we knew how much we were going to get.
“Never mind that the amount is small, it’s the principle behind it all. I feel really disrespected because at the end of the day, we have to travel from wherever, making arrangements to get to the casting and the duration of the show itself.”
In a voice clip sent to a WhatsApp group, the renowned designer admitted that there has been a delay in payments for the said show and apologised.
“Please rest assured that by Monday the 6th of October your payment will be done… Once again, I apologise for any inconvenience,” said Tlale in the voice clip sent to models’ WhatsApp group.
When approached for comment, Tlale said the matter was a nonstory that did not need to be in the papers.
By Nokuthula Zwane
zwanen@156.38.205.90
