CFW hits the ramp
Colombo Fashion Week resumed its place at the helm of the local fashion industry last Thursday (March 12) with an opening show that packed a 
punch. Two sessions, both at a specially erected marquee at the Hilton poolside, played host to hundreds of industry heavyweights and invitees at the spring/summer edition of the event.
For designers Shani Himanshu and Mia Morikawa connecting with their audience is at the core of what they do. The brains behind Indian brand 11.11, the petite duo seemed very much at home sharing the ramp with statuesque models.
First timers showcasing at CFW, 11.11 is the pret label of the parent company CellDSGN Pvt. Ltd. The brand retails from its flagship store The Grey Garden, New Delhi and is available in India, USA, Australia, Egypt and Brazil.
With the label reaching its sixth year, Shani attributes their successful four-year partnership to the fact that both he and Mia share the same ideology. “You should know where your products are made” is a philosophy they both live by. It’s why 11.11 works with a network of farmers, weavers and craftsmen to produce their light, ethnic material. Denim jackets, jeans and suits made of traditional Indian “Khadi” or hand spun and hand woven material is a favourite. “It’s an exciting textile to speak of. Denim has a working class history behind it and Khadi is associated with empowerment,” explains Mia. The collection was a breezy assortment of men’s and women’s wear created with a chameleon motive; looking both casual and quirky but easily made smart and dressy.
2015 is a big year for young designer Peronie Stefel. Another new face to CFW, Peronie first took the plunge when she participated at the Bright Spark edition of the CFW Resort Wear show last year. There she won the first CFW Fashion Design Fund award for the young designer with the most potential.
Being new to the industry, Peronie prefers not to limit herself in terms of fashion. Her collection paid tribute to ancient craft techniques such as marbling which tastefully complimented her feminine and youthful collection.
Radhika Hernandez provided the night’s finale with a collection of flowing gowns and shimmery pantsuits. The New York-based designer, who has previously worked with Beyonce’s label, presented her second CFW collection with the brand Lois London. “It was great exposure,” she says, of showing her first collection at CFW last year. This year’s collection finds its focus with evening wear and resort chic, and Radhika says she was not inspired in particular by something specific-after all the design process was a thing of evolution up until the very last moment. “I was still designing some pieces a week before the show!” she laughs. “I get very involved with the design process and like to be a part of every single aspect.”
This year CFW also announced an exciting venture with the Sri Lanka Tourism Board. Chairman Rohantha Athukorala spoke briefly to 
the Sunday Times about the initiative, which is still in its early stages. “We’re looking forward to building a product around CFW,” he said. “We’re hoping to focus on the high end tourist market in particular, by bringing them down for CFW and a host of experiences built around that duration.” The product will officially be launched at the Resort edition of CFW, scheduled to be held later this year.
Other designers on opening night
Indi
Indi opened the evening with a technically sound collection — attention given to the material and detail while creating a dramatic vintage look.
Koca
Inspired by the abstract Koca’s collection was all about symmetry in cotton and silk fabrics.
Deneth
Staying true to her roots and signature use of Cheeththa prints, Deneth presented sleek silhouettes with splashes of colour.Amilani Perera
Flowing pieces in hues of cherry blossom and beige, Amilani Perera’s story for this year’s collection was based on an ancient Vietnamese myth.
Ramona Pulle
Girlish, fun and graceful, the collection saw bold, solid colours on clean cut skirts and pants. Cute A -line dresses added to the appeal with the models sauntering onto the ramp with white balloons in hand.
Charini Suriyage
Charini’s influence was very Sri Lankan with prints of the four petalled Binara flower worked into monochrome dresses and swimsuits.
Dimuthu Sahabandu
A stalwart at CFW, Dimuthu played it safe but delivered an impressive, eminently wearable collection.
(See ST Magazine for CFW’s Bright Sparks and sundaytimes.lk/video for coverage of day 2 and 3 of CFW)