Arts

A feast of diversity

By Hiranyada Dewasiri

International Graduate Fashion Spectacle 2018 held at Hilton

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It was a feast of fashion from the perspective of 21 local and international fashion design graduates at the International Graduate Fashion Spectacle 2018 on July 10 at the Hilton, Colombo. Organized by Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology (LIFT) in partnership with the Embassy of France in Colombo, the IGFS 2018 fashion show was the concluding event of a week of fashion experiences for the participating fashion graduates.

Heshini Goonasekara

Of the 21 collections, four were awarded for excellence by partners of the event. Heshini Goonasekara’s “LUXNOR S/S 19” collection won the Wijeya Newspapers Award. Heshini, a graduate of Mod’Art International, Paris – Sri Lanka Branch, developed her collection capturing the shapes, colours and textures of Byzantine dome architecture and the luxury epitomised by the Galleries Lafayette, the famous French department store.

The French Embassy award was taken to Bangladesh by Farjana Akther of BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology. Inspired by the Bengali folk embroidery tradition of ‘Nakshi Kantha’, Farjana’s collection “Tradition of Contexture” incorporated its patterns and craftsmanship.

“It feels wonderful to have won an award,” said Shefali Nagar of Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology who carried away the Eric Suriyasena Batik award with her collection, ‘Lush affairs Rendezvous la Nature’, fusing natural fibres and fabrics with traditional craft techniques.

Marium Mujahid of Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design won the Hilton Award for her collection ‘Trans humanism’–a collection inspired by the idea of enhancing human capabilities through the use of technology in clothing.

Overall an interesting diversity was seen on the ramp. From the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design Rabia Tahir’s collection, ‘Frost Flower’ drew inspiration from nature. Her colleague Sumbal Rehman’s collection shaped by geometric patterns and angles featured blue Kashi Kari patterns.

“With IGFS we feel like we are entering the big world,” said Ayushi Kothari of JD Institute of Fashion and Technology, Bangalore, India who showcased her collection ‘Pure’. Her colleague Vidhi Lunia presented ‘True Blue’ while Sambhavi Jain from JD Institute of Fashion and Technology, Delhi featured African tribal prints in her collection.

“IGFS is a really good platform for young designers to learn from their peers of other countries,” said Shimla Eliyas of Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology who showcased her collection ‘Behind the Seams F/W ‘19’. Also at the show were her batch-mates, Shanuka Savindri with ‘Cybernetic’ and Anjali Kaushalya with ‘Smeared Granite’.

Victoria Eviston-Putsch from Akademie Mode & Design Berlin, Germany had developed her collection‘History Herstory ‘ by drawing inspiration from the different clothing experiences of women across cultures. Udamini Galgamuwa of Mod’Art International Paris – Sri Lanka branch, introduced her collection ‘Gen Y’ where ‘Y’ represented the female reproductive system. Customized 3D printed fabric with quotes by feminists embroidered on it featured in her collection.

From Mod’Art International Paris – Sri Lanka Branch, Prabha Ellawala’s semi-casual wear collection ‘Maverick’ by Khé’ highlighted a personal struggle to find freedom. Wasana Gunarathna’s collection ‘Scintillate’ used geometric shapes and Thaarangani Manivannan’s collection highlighted intricate patterns to express the battle between the heart and the mind.

Hugo Jeannette of Mod’Art International Paris, France brought his collection ‘NOMXDE’ inspired by the nomad who transcends cultures.

Drawing on the glamour of ages past, the ‘Revival Collection’ of Orsolya Fekete of Mod’ Art International Paris – Hungary was characterized by the Roccoco era while Ajijur Raihan from BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology, Bangladesh called his collection ‘Ancient Diva’ . In ‘City Rush’ Shaheda Akter used sequins and black and white fabric to portray the lights of Dhaka at night.

IGFS 2018 was held as part of the French Spring Festival and French ambassador to Sri Lanka Jean-Marin Schuh was on the panel of judges along with Eric Suriyasena of Eric Suriyasena Batiks, Assistant General Manager of Brands & PR at Wijeya Newspapers, Sujith Pathirannehe and Asst. Director of Sales/ conference and events at the Hilton Colombo, Kosala Walakuluge.

Pix by M.A Pushpa Kumara