Sunday Times 2
Global platform for Sri Lankan fashion
Five Sri Lankan designers are now showcasing their creations at Asian Fashion Week (AFW) being held from August 15 to 18 in Surabaya City, Indonesia, following an MOU signed by Colombo Fashion Week with Asian Fashion Week (AFW).
This is in line with CFW’s objective of showcasing Sri Lanka’s fashion design industry on a global platform.
Speaking about the association, Ajai Vir Singh, President, Colombo Fashion Week stated, “At CFW we are constantly looking for ways to take Sri Lankan designers global, giving them greater exposure and the opportunity to reach the world. That is why we have been working with AFW over the years to enhance and take the Sri Lankan fashion design industry to an international level.”
Ajai further added, “We have selected five designers to represent different aspects of Sri Lankan design at AFW. Indi Abeywardena, and Sonali Dharmawardane will showcase the intricate details of the local batik industry, Fouzul Hameed will highlight the menswear industry and Ramona Oshini, a CFW designer will showcase her work with the local Craft Council which promotes handloom and handmade jewellery. Showing at AFW also gives each of them the opportunity to meet with international buyers.”
“I am very excited to be one of the Sri Lankan designers showcasing at AFW,” said Sonali Dharmawardane, while Ramona Oshini added that as one of the designers selected by CFW this year to work with the local craft industry, she would be showcasing a combination of work which ranges from classical wear to casual wear and incorporates handloom and batik on handloom. “To accompany each outfit I have worked with local craftsmen to create jewellery made of brass and woodcarvings.”