Not afraid to push boundaries
Dhanushika Welagedara, an undergraduate at the University of Moratuwa carried away the title of the Up and Coming Designer of the 
Year 2014 at the Mount Lavinia Hotel last Sunday. The 23-year-old also won the award for Best Men’s wear and the Anationz award, completing a triumphant triple sweep of awards.
Sri Lanka’s Up and Coming Fashion Designer of the Year contest- the brainchild of Zainab Ammarah, has over the years gained recognition as a platform for young and aspiring designers to launch their 
career or brand, into the Sri Lanka design industry.
Held for the seventh consecutive year, the contest received some 300 entries from designers around the island from both urban and rural areas, leading Design Schools and universities. 65 semi finalists were chosen and then this number was whittled down to 22 finalists who presented their creations at last Sunday’s show. The theme for this year’s fashion competition was “Land like no other- Sri Lanka” and each contestant was asked to pick a dying art of any element that is unique to Sri Lanka and produce designs under the four segments: Cocktail/Party wear, Men’s wear, Sportswear and Saree.
First runner up was 18-year-old Abiram Gunarajah who has just completed his A/L’s. He also received the award for Best Saree wear. Second runner up was 24-year-old Hiruni Hettiarachchi who chose tatting as her theme.
The award for the Best Party wear was a tie between Abiram and Venya de Silva. The award for the Best Sportswear was won by KADS Thilina, an undergraduate of the Sabaragamuwa University. The award for the most dedicated designer was a tie between Madu Shaakya Chathurangi Karunasena who has her own company and bridal magazine and visually impaired designer Nayana Ascharya (pls see box story).
Overall winner Dhanushika Welagedara receiving her award
Other designers who vied for the honours were: Anne Devananda, Vinoka Fernandopulle, Prasad Abeyratne, Hiranya Sirimanne, Udara Wickramarathne, H.G. Irosha, Rannilu Singappulige, Shenali Maloney, Asma Wazeer, Udara Ratnayake, Yasara Ravihansi, Ranjula Herath, Dilini Perera, Dinithi Wijayasekara and Shaima Hameed.
The judges for the contest were General Manager of NEXT Wilhelm Elias, Country Manager of George ASDA Louise Parsons, Managing Director of Anationz Azam Habib, Country Manager of Victoria’s Secret Rodney Hobbs and Country Manager of Marks and Spencer Thishara Wickramanayake.
First runner up Abiram Gunarajah receiving his award. Pix by Indika Handuwala
Among the themes that were chosen by designers were corals, wicker cons, stone masonry, Polonnaruwa, handloom, ambalama, ancient moonstone, Kandyan temple art, traditional masks and even leather. Keeping to the theme designers stuck to an earthy colour palate. All designers had accessorized well. Notable was the use of special effects like drummers, traditional performances, entering on a palanquin and even one model carrying a Pomeranian onstage.
The first segment of the night was Cocktail and Party wear and as expected saw shiny and vibrant creations on the ramp. There was an electric buzz among the
Second runner up Hiruni Hettiarachchi receiving her award
approving audience when the men’s wear collection appeared and the sportswear collection where popular sports like tennis, and basket ball wear met with unusual sports like fencing and even bull fighting in expressions of originality. It would have been better if more designers used the traditional Kandyan drape instead of the Indian style in the saree segment since the main theme of the night was related to Sri Lankan traditional arts and culture.
Judge Louise Parsons said that she can’t be critical of the designers since they are still novices but commented she had seen a lot of talent throughout the show. “The designers have done a good attempt to push the boundaries. They have proven that Sri Lanka has got talent. The show was very impressive.”
Judge Thushari Wickramanayake advised the female designers to be adventurous and creative but most of all to stay true to their identity. There’s a lot of potential and opportunity for women in society now, she said, asking the aspiring designers to be brave and aim for the sky.
Nirosha Jagodaarachchi, attending the show for the first time commented that it was a very competitive event. “Everything from organizing to the participants designs has been good. This is a great encouragement for these young designers.”