Looking back, at fashion
The grand finale of Sri Lanka’s Up and Coming Fashion Designer 2015 held at Waters Edge last Monday was more than just a competition amongst the top finalists to grab the coveted title.
Winner Theja Siriwardena
It was a manifestation of fashion trends of decades gone by. The spectrum of distinctive styles, designed by the young fashionistas captured exquisitely various eras – from ancient Greek to Victorian, Gothic, Georgian, Edwardian and much more.
Theja Siriwardena won the title of Sri Lanka’s Up and Coming Fashion Designer 2015 while Rushini Perera was adjudged the 1st Runner up and Shanika Perera the 2nd runner up.
Rushini also won the Best Evening Wear segment while Theja claimed the Best Casual Wear award. The Best Sports Wear award went to Maleesha Rukshani.
Shanika also won the Best show stopper segment while Nusky Nayeem was adjudged the Most Dedicated Designer. The Fan favourite award by ErbenLab went to Aleesha Ismail.
Held for the seventh consecutive year, Sri Lanka’s Up and Coming Fashion Designer Contest offers a platform for young Sri Lankan designers to shine and explore exciting career opportunities in the industry.
A brainchild of Zainab Ammarah who won the 2006 Fashion Designer of the Year Award, the event is organised to give a boost to raw young talent in the industry to emerge into the limelight.
Eras of Fashion being this year’s theme, the young designers picked an era of their choice in creating the unique pieces theyshowcased during the Evening Wear, Sports Wear, Casual Wear and Show Stopper Wear Collection segments.
For some, the mysterious Gothic period became a source of inspiration while others based their collection on Medieval, Georgian, Edwardian or Byzantine eras.
They were designs inspired by the architecture and society of the Victorian period. That some of the young designers had the talent to blend elegance with a bit of new romanticism….or to give a modern twist to the regal look was crystal clear.
From gothic to modern: Designs inspired by different eras. Pix by Indika Handuwala
The designs on the ramp also included styles inspired by the swinging 20s ( a la The Great Gatsby), the 30s, the simplistic yet elegant styles of the 40s,or matching the 50s with today’s designs.
La Belle Époque era in France, Hollywood glamour were amongst other such complex yet appealing pattern making showcased by the young designers.
The finalists were Himasha Gomez, Aelesha Ismail, Shanika Perera, Imasha Perera, Iroshi Thamara, Wageesha Kulatunge, Raima Marikar, Nadeesha Wimalaratne, Dharani Wasundara, Nilushika Dias, Suzan Silva, Rushini Perera, Nusky Nayeem, Krishanthini Subramaniam, Savi Wickremaarachchi, Janani Siriwardana, Maleesha Rukshani , Wageesha Kulatunge, Manoshi Hansapani and Theja Siriwardena. They were selected out of a total of 200 entries received.
The distinguished panel of judges comprised Innovation Engineering Manager Nike – Chris Matzke, Fashion Designer Calvin Klein – Marta Lepoinka, CEO of Top Shop, Warehouse, New Look- Thushara Wickramanayake, Country Manager Victoria’s Secret – Rod Hobbs and General Manager NEXT- Wilhelm Elias.
The event was sponsored by Kamsins (main sponsor), the Sunday Times, Daily Mirror, Ada, Lankadeepa, (official print media partner), Jewellery Arena (official jewelry sponsor) , Ramzi’s (official hair and make -up), Waters Edge (official venue partner) , ErbenLab (official technology partner),Yaseen’s (Official print partner), Praveen Rodrigo (official photographer), PR Wire (official PR partner), PULSE (official lifestyle partner), Show Off (official magazine partner) and Yes FM, Y FM, MTV, Shakthi TV (0fficial electronic media partner).
Sports wear
Rushini Perera first runner up
Shanika Perera second runner up