CFW 2015 takes a bow, await bigger and exciting designs for 2016
Colombo Fashion Week ended its 12th year with 34 designers having shown their collections on the ramp over the four-day event. There were hits, a few misses; but what can’t be denied is that CFW did once again what it always does so well – bringing together an eclectic mix of 
designers, society patrons and more importantly, buyers for a celebration that was not just about fashion, but also food, people and even Sri Lanka, with a new ‘Celebrate Colombo’ partnership with the Sri Lanka Tourist Board being introduced this year.
“This is the start of the retail driven focus which will remain integral to our plans till the end of 2016,” said Founder and CFW President Ajai Vir Singh. “We’re hoping it will stand on its feet by then. I can say it was a good start for retail.
“Fashion consumers and fashion media can see that Sri Lankan fashion designers are ready to sell and are serious about it. After a strong showing at CFW, retail should come naturally, like anywhere else.”
Yesterday, the pop-up stores featured on the days of the main show at the Hilton were moved to ODEL Select, where they will remain until April 15, retailing certain designers’ collections. Noting that there was an overall improvement, Ajai said they are focusing on fabrics as an important aspect.
“This is to be followed by profiling designers in international markets. Our key goal for the last 12 years has been to uplift Sri Lanka’s fashion design industry and we have stuck to it.
“In addition CFW has also evolved as an interesting South Asian platform for designers to showcase at.”
Next year CFW hopes to step up areas such as design development, retail, and international exposure alongside a more intense and expanded Bright Spark programme.
A reciprocal arrangement with four international fashion weeks is in place and as Ajai sees it “we need a strong set of designers to show consistently at these international fashion weeks. By the grace of God we would be pushing ourselves to further improve by the next edition.”
Ramona Oshini
Inspired by stained glass designs from Dutch churches, the collection used batik and a Japanese dye technique called ‘arashi shibori’ on silks and chiffons.
Sonali Dharmawardena
One of CFW’s stars, Sonali’s elegant collection consisted primarily of sarees and collared dresses in shades of green, black, purple and the occasional red.
Maus
The collection stuck to the classics, with jumpsuits, shirt dresses, and shifts in black, grey and khaki.
Yasisurie Kiribandara
Centring on a dove motif, the office and evening wear collection, largely in monochrome and later shades of beige and blue, often featured plunging necklines and colourful pockets.
Designers on Day 2
Atsu Sekhose
Whimsical dresses, long and short, embellished with bead motifs and occasionally accompanied by dramatic trains-the soft pastels of Sekhose’s collection made for a stunning finale on Day 2.
Lars Andersson
Shades of blue and black; outfits clinched in at the waist, hoodies and masculine jackets from the Swedish designer making his first appearance at CFW.
Nelun Harasgama
The artist turned designer favoured raw silk, linen and raw cotton for her Ohe Island label which had sarees, dresses and pants with her trademark stark simplicity.
Designers on Day 3
Arugam Bay
Essentially nautical, in playful stripes and printed men’s swimwear, Arugam- Bay was light, fun and refreshing.
Hameedia
A menswear collection entirely based on different shades of blue-we liked the periwinkle in particular, simply for its eye-popping hues.
Harare
Elegant and mature, Harare’s knitwear in solid colours while incorporating subtle prints echoed CFW’s tie-dye theme for 2015.
Kallol Datta
In his first showing at CFW, Indian designer Kallol Datta, known for his grungy, bold collections didn’t play it safe with his array of women’s wear which commanded drama and artistry while being arrestingly minimal.
Colombo Jewellery Stores
The opening collection by CFW regular, Colombo Jewellery Stores on Day 3 was a safari themed homage to their project; “Unforgettable; A future in the Wild”.
Conscience
Schoolboy shorts and bright spunky socks added to the Conscience’s collection of young, hip menswear.
Bibi Russell
As always, true to her Bangladeshi roots, another CFW favourite Bibi’s collection had prints with a vibrant ethnic feel that extended even to the trendy floral pants from her menswear collection.
Upeksha
Conjuring up Tolstoy’s world of the Russian elite, the Anna Karenina inspired collection saw the use of unusual colours making up a soft, feminine yet regal
collection.