Arts

Dashing diversity

By Kaveesha Fernando

12 graduating designers from here and abroad combine culture and cutting edge technology at the LIFT fashion show

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It was an interesting and diverse evening of fashion from around the globe showcased through the Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology’s International Graduate Fashion Spectacle (TIGFS). The fashion show, a part of the French Spring Festival in Sri Lanka, saw twelve graduating designers present their work. The event was organised by the Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology and Mod’Art Sri Lanka alongside the French Embassy.

Thushini Perera

Unlike most graduating fashion shows held in Colombo, this event featured designers from around the globe who were keen to present a part of their culture along with their designs.

The designers for the evening were Sonali Dandeniya (Sri Lanka), Zainab Khalid (Pakistan), Arthur Gaudefroy (France), Kasuni De Silva (Sri Lanka), Marion Cormont (France), Aleksandra Kukula (United Kingdom) , Thushini Perera (Sri Lanka), Devanshi Shah (India), Ayodya Heenatigala (Sri Lanka), Otilia Vlad (Germany), Shireen Beg (Pakistan) and Shamha Mubarak(Sri Lanka).

Interesting collections included Aleksandra Kukula’s work which featured her Polish heritage through classic pastel green and red designs, which seemed to be her interpretation of traditional Polish folk costumes. Thushini Perera’s designs highlighted the natural diversity of the Sinharaja rainforest, with special focus on the insects of the forest. Shireen Beg’s collection had been inspired by the traditional outfits of her home town in Northern Pakistan, but she displayed them with a modern twist – something a young girl from her home town would perhaps like to wear.

Many of the designers had used cutting edge technology such as 3D printing along with unusual fabrics and unique designs.

Pix by Indika Handuwala