Arts
It was all there, from earthy to futuristic
Pix by Indika Handuwala
It was the culmination of four years of hard work for 23 selected designers from the graduating batch of the University of Moratuwa where they demonstrated what they had learnt from studying for the University’s degree of Fashion Design and Product Development.
The much awaited 10th edition of the University of Moratuwa Graduation Fashion Show 2016 did not disappoint. The graduating batch showed off their skill and artistry backed by painstaking attention to detail.
The concept was simple – each student would present a collection of six outfits which were based on extensive research. This research began with all of the designers attempting to create a label which would be aimed at a specific market.
The entire batch of 43 students came up with their own designs, of which the best 23 were featured in the graduation fashion show. Simple in theory, but to come up with a new label and to create one good enough to be chosen for the show must have been anything but simple. The designs were presented at the show on March 30 at the Galadari Hotel.
The 23 designers chosen for the show were Uditha Bandara, Jayamini Attanayake, Achintha Dissanayake, Nisansala Karunarathne, Danushika Welagedara, Anchali Marasinghe, Jithma Sirimevan, Imalshi Alahapperuma, Umayangani Wickramaratne, Chamari Weerasooriya, Yathindra Senerath, Pavithra Paramasivarajah, Ranil Aththanayaka, Ayomi Sherani, Kosala Herath, Awanthika Wanniarachchi, Sepalika Chathurangi, Sudeshika Ekanayaka, Pawani Edirisuriya, Madhushanthi Gunarathna, Chinthaka Dharmakeerthi, Chamila Asanga and Nayana Nilanga. The final designs were as wide and varied as can be expected from 23 designers from different backgrounds with different outlooks and ideas. The themes of the designs ranged from earthy and natural to imaginative and futuristic and everything in between. All in all, the entire evening proved to be a demonstration of the skill and diversity of the students.
The first collection was titled ‘Invisible Spirit’ by Uditha Bandara. Full of earthy hues and patterned greenery, the entire collection reminded one of the jungle and dense forests of green. Some of his designs are wearable for anyone adventurous and looking to make a statement. Next was ‘Revivable Inheritance’ by Jayamini Attanayake whose batik designs are perfect for the fashionista looking for a local look. Also in the mix was Sudeshika Ekanayaka’s ‘Art in Antique’ – a collection of muted colours which were blended into the garments trendy and wearable. ‘Paucity’ by Pawani Edirisuriya was full of Autumn hues. Apart from these, there were many designers who had quite a variety of bold and interesting designs.
The evening concluded with the award ceremony for the best designs which were chosen by a panel of judges. Winning the award for the Commercially Creative Designer was Ranil Aththanayaka’s collection. Nayana Nilanga won the award for the Innovative Designer, while Pawani Edirisuriya, Uditha Bandara and Nisansala Karunarathne won the awards for Creative Knitwear Designer, Innovative Textile Fabric Designer and Outstanding Designer Brand respectively. Sepalika Chaturangi bagged the Menswear Designer award while Sudeshika Ekanayaka won the Serendib Inspirational award.
Commenting on the event, Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Ananda Jayawardane said the event was a much needed one which could propel the Sri Lankan garment industry to greater heights from its origin as a ‘cut and sew’ industry.
