Taking fashion online
When the Lanka Institute of Fashion Design presented their exhibitions over the last three years, the centre’s aim was to broaden their students’ creative horizons. Their first major exhibition was in 2015 which was couture exhibition for the French Spring Festival.
Pix courtesy LIFT
This January LIFT is taking their annual exhibitions to an online platform. Dabbling in a new concept, their exhibition is now a click away for the fashion connoisseur who can walk through the exhibition via a YouTube video.
Aptly titled “Fashion Nouveau” the online fashion exhibition is claimed to be a first and allows the audience to walk through the presentation. Unlike the immersive 360-degree videos that became popular in the recent past, this virtual walk through exhibition allows viewers detailed glimpses of the entire exhibit from the portfolios to the most intricate details and accessories.
The idea behind the concept is a very practical one, explains Managing Director of LIFT; Niroshini Leanage. The final video included some of the photography, editing and directing which was contributed by the students themselves, allowing them the freedom and opportunity to market and dabble in their other creative skills. In doing so, viewers also get to see the exhibits through the minds of their creators. “Since we’re in the heart of Colombo, this space can easily be dedicated to art and people” she adds. Unlike the usual fashion exhibit or show that runs for a maximum of 2-3 days in Sri Lanka, “Fashion Nouveau” will be available to the public till March 18.
But the team at LIFT know that a virtual tour alone isn’t enough to satisfy a fashion-curious appetite. The exhibits are also on display in the gallery located at their institute, allowing people to get a literal feel of the collection after watching it online. In the week since it’s opening, they have already had interested schoolchildren and parents coming in to take a closer look.
The novel idea, which came to Niroshini while on a trip overseas with the students was welcomed with much positivity from the very beginning.
Since the initial meetings, the uniquely new concept created a buzz around campus. The need to keep up with technology and bridge a gap between fashion markets while creating a link between students and their work was at the core of their uncommon approach. But for the curious shopper or plain fashion enthusiast and the students alike, the exhibition is paving the way for a new world of haute couture for everyone. “As a new designer, they feel like their ideas are becoming a reality. What we give them is a grounding to their creativity,” says Niroshini.
View “Fashion Nouveau”
online at
https://lift.lk/fashion-nouveau/
The real life exhibits are available for viewing till March 18
and located at 87, Horton Place, Colombo – 7 Mon to Fri 9:00am – 4:00pm & Sat 9.30am – 1.00pm.
