Sunday Times 2
First ‘Craftalive’ show this month
View(s):In a continuous effort to develop fashion designers who bring design innovations to crafts, the National Craft Council in partnership with Colombo Fashion Week recently announced their ‘Craftalive’ initiative. NCC and CFW will present their first ‘Craftalive’ show on August 28 against the backdrop of Independence Square.
Chairman, NCC Buddhi Keerthisena stated, “At the National Crafts Council we are continuously striving to empower men and women in crafts as this industry is the backbone of many rural economies in Sri Lanka. We want to ensure that arts and crafts remain relevant and in existence in our country and this is why we are very proud of our partnership with Colombo Fashion Week. This initiative will not only highlight our unique crafts but will give Sri Lankans an opportunity to showcase their work globally.”
“Together we have created a platform to showcase a fusion of crafts in fashion,” said. Ajai Vir Singh, President, Colombo Fashion Week further adding, “we named it ‘Craftalive’, as our aim is to give added impetus to crafts. Our first show will take place against the backdrop of one of Sri Lanka’s most significant national monuments, which is a first for the fashion industry. We believe that this will give us a differentiated platform that will boost the craft industry and showcase a unique line of fashion.”
The line-up of designers includes Ramona Oshini, Indi Abeywardena and winner of the 2013 CFW Gen Next Designer Award, Sharmila who will debut her label ARRA. Also featured at the event is ‘U by Upeksha’ offering a fresh design perspective along with Darshi Keerthisena who will show her collection of handcrafted batiks blended into high fashion.
The collections will showcase a blend of beeralu, lace, metal and brass crafts, jewellery, rush, palmyrah, batik, handloom, fabric painting and wooden crafts.
‘Craftalive’ is also part of Shilpa Udana, which showcases the talents and skills of Sri Lanka’s award winning artisans and craftspeople from across the country ( For more on Shilpa, pls see Plus Pg 5).