Arts

AOD hits ramp in fitting finale

By Shakya Wickramanayake and Tarini Pilapitiya

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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It was a gala affair as 36 unique collections strode the ramp. The night of October 30 saw the graduates of the Academy of Design showcasing their graduate collections at the Mercedes Benz Centre as the exciting finale to the Mercedes- Benz Fashion Week in Colombo.

Arancha Rodrigo: Ode to the 80s. Pix by Amila Gamage

While space does not permit us to feature all 36 collections created with much thought and flair, here are a few of the intriguing designs. Starting off the show was Uddami Wijesekara’s collection. Accessorized with headdresses made of delicate white flowers, the collection consisted of delicate materials embellished with flower detailing. The loose silhouettes, in light hues of pink and white conveyed a look of innocence and purity, as well as that of spring.

Nadeesha Tennakoon’s resort wear collection was a chic yet Gothic take on Arabic design. Inspired by Omani architecture, this collection featured dark yet striking Arabic geometrical patterns, as well as prominent shoulders, which were usually bejewelled. Each design was heavily embellished with metallic studs and beading, and at times incorporated long thin fringes to the sleeves. Nadeesha collaborated with Rivil Clothing & Coats Thread for her collection.

Akhila Madhushani Liyanage incorporated masculinity into womenswear with her collection. The inspiration of African tribal decor and 80’s athletic wear, manifested itself in a denim and handloom collection. Pops of neon colour added an element of youthfulness to clothing.

One of the other three designers to present a menswear collection at the showcase was Nimna Wickremasinghe who in collaboration with Norlanka Manufacturing, MRC Embroidery, Screenline Holdings and Sunro Graphics, presented a collection largely inspired by rock legend David Bowie. Featuring the ‘Houndstooth’ pattern and foil printing, Ninma stayed true to her concept of 80’s glam rock, high-heeled male models walking the ramp highlighting androgynous male fashion.

Nathali Abayawardena’s collection in collaboration with MAS Active featuring bright neon colours, on rigid and exaggerated silhouttes brought to mind the styles of the 60s.

Collaborating with Coats Thread and Opti Zips, Joanne Kulamannage brought to the ramp her ‘retro futuristic’ denim collection. Accessorized with metallic helmets, the collection featured different shades of denim with metallic zips and chains incorporated in the designs.

Anuththara Rajapaksha’s winter wear collection, ‘Nomad’, transported us to the ski slopes of Europe. The brightly coloured collection was a merger of Mongolian nomadic designs and 70s ski culture. Made in collaboration with Hirdaramani, it incorporated knitwear, faux-fur and bright prints to each design, exuding vibrancy and youthfulness.

When whimsical meets mysterious this was one to keep an eye out for: Siyathi Karunaratne’s collection reflected its name “Dark Wonderland”. Models in muted shades and floral prints sashayed with an unnerving innocence down the ramp, most carrying a wicker basket of food – taking us to a world of fantasy and fables.

Double Denim” by Dulani Amarasinghe reflected a light, airy tone and a fresh take on denim: cropped shirts, pants and overall dresses – the collection straying away from the de facto denim jean philosophy we live by, opening our minds to the countless uses of denim.

Shimalka Bodaragama in collaboration with Lanka Leather Fashion wowed audiences with her collection “Leather Looks” – WWII inspired designs in sophisticated shades of mustard yellows, black and red-browns, drawn from aviation posters. The poppy flower, a symbol of remembrance was also seen. The collection had a timeless quality and the creative use of this versatile material was pleasing to see.

Inspired by the Italian design and architecture group the “Memphis” style movement in the 80’s Arancha Rodrigo’s “Print Rush!” was one of the more vibrant collections in the showcase – fun and spirited, with neutral clothing combined with dashes of those ageless 80’s geometric prints.

Yehani Kalapuge in her collection “Handloom Bling” used a vividly colourful assortment of Sri Lankan handloom, playing expertly with various textures, to showcase this traditional fabric in more exciting contemporary apparel.

Vinu Dassanayake’s collection (pictured on our cover), created in collaboration with Libanky Holdings with fur and feather fringe detailing added to the somewhat structured designs seemed to embody the image of an empowered yet chic French resistance fighter during WWII.

Closing off the show was Ann Manjalee Silva’s Black and White winter collection. Made in collaboration with Freudenberg & Vilene International, and Coats Thread, the collection featured heavy knitwear and textured material. The designs with their highlighted and worked tops had a sophisticated and refined air to them. On our Magazine cover is a creation by Vinu Dassanayake.