The exclusive handloom collection of young Lankan designer Prabath Samarasooriya made a splash at the recently held fashion show PReT 2011.
A talented designer who looks to integrate both local and international trends in creating his own concept, Prabath’s designs under the theme of ‘Jaffna Collection’ are a celebration of the Jaffna community. Prabath says he was inspired by the Jaffna Tamil people and their choice of attire.
During my stay in Jaffna a few months ago to initiate a World Bank funded project handled by the Academy of Design in Sri Lanka for the Batticaloa weavers, I witnessed the reawakening in the region and how Tamil people have started celebrating their culture etc, he said, adding that this is what inspired him to develop a saree collection based on this cultural element.
“When I saw people in sarongs made of pyjama material, I thought I should design the saree jackets for the designer collection in pyjama material,” Prabath explained adding that the use of vibrant colours is also a representation of the dress choice of the Jaffna folk.
As a designer Prabath is involved with local weavers and tries his best to promote rural craft industries such as beeralu, batik and lace through his designs. The fabric for his striking handloom designs for this unique Jaffna Collection comes from the Batticaloa weavers, he says.
His selection of this particular concept and fabric is to establish a strong local identity and to represent Sri Lanka on a platform where Indian designers are showcasing their culture, he feels.
Having started as an artist in 1999, Prabath took his career on a different path when he followed a Higher Diploma in Jewellery Designing at the Gem and Jewellery Authority. He obtained his Higher National Diploma from the Academy of Design and BA (Hons) in Fashion Design from the University of Northumbria UK with a first upper class.
Following the collection he presented to the London Fashion Week on the concept of tsunami tragedy and war, Prabath was selected among the best five designers from Sri Lanka. In 2002 he was the Best Designer at a competition organised by the Export Development Board. He also conducts fashion illustration classes at leading local institutes.
Prabath’s collection and that of other leading Indian and local designers were featured in the PReT fashion show held at the Colombo Hilton on June 1. Rocky S, Raakesh Agarwal, Anand Kabra, Mandira Wirk and Vikram Phadnis were the Indian names on the ramp while Dharshi Keerthisena along with Prabath showcased Sri Lankan styles.
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