Arts
TDC’s edited cut in new store
The Design Collective (TDC) opened its second store at 70, Rosmead Place on August 10 celebrating two years of opening their flagship store at 28, Stratford Avenue, Kirulapone. A smaller store comparatively, the new store named ‘The Design Collective Edit’ will showcase a curated ‘edit’ of all the designers working with TDC.
At the ‘fashion for brunch’ (L-r): Shahili Gomes, Akanksha Kamath, Suket Dhir, Binu Wickramasinghe and Aviva Bidapa. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara and Ishanka Sunimal
Co-founder of TDC, Binu Wickramasinghe said that they wanted to provide designers with a second platform to showcase their work. “A concise edited version of our main space,” she called it. Binu further explained that the store is arranged according to a specific theme and most of the designers are creating new pieces to feature in the ‘edit’ space.
“We wanted to capture a different market so that it will be easy for customers to shop. It’s a much smaller space and much more curated but we still have brands that the Design Collective has and loves,” Co-founder Shahili Gomes revealed.
New at the store is Indian designer Aviva Bidapa’s swimwear label. Aviva’s collection was recently featured at Colombo Fashion Week and having worked with prominent fashion designer Prasad Bidapa before and being a fan of both their work, Shahili finds that his daughter’s collection has a similar ethos that resonates with their store.
TDC also hosted two fashion personalities at their flagship store on August 17 at an event called ‘Fashion for Brunch’. Fashion Editor for Vogue India, Akanksha Kamath led a panel discussion (in a Q&A format) with co-founder and creative director of his eponymous label SUKETDHIR, Indian designer Suket Dhir.
Shahili Gomes and Binu Wickramasinghe at their new store
Explaining that they wished to provide the opportunity for young writers and fashion designers to learn from veterans in the industry, Shahili says this is in line with their vision to promote the trade locally, understand how to interpret and write about fashion as well as recognize the journey it takes to make your mark in a vibrant fashion industry.
The dynamic duo shared their wisdom on all things fashion, journalism and everything in between whilst keeping it light and relatable with a few personal anecdotes as well.
Although finding it easier to design menswear as he thought himself lazy, Dhir recently launched his Menswear for Women collection after his wife began dipping into his wardrobe. It was not just the trends that influenced his foray into women’s clothing but more of convenience to make the sizes smaller, he said.
Akansha Kamath used Dhir’s playful description for his inspiration behind his line to explain that for journalists it is easy to determine the type of character a person may be through his answers and that in the case of designers, it is quite easy to see how their personalities translate to their clothing.
An exclusive capsule collection of Dhir’s work was also launched at The Design Collective and one can see why his pieces have created a buzz. His timeless yet chic designs incorporate both the handpainted art of Indian Maharajas and Maharanis and exquisite patterns with brocade, Duchess silk and mulmul to create rich bomber jackets, blazers, kurtas, pants and more.
- The new store: A curated version of their flagship store