CFW @18 looks at fashion in a post-COVID reality
Partners in taking fashion into the new normal: Ajai Vir Singh and sponsors at the news conference. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
Continuing to uphold their core beliefs in sustainable and ethical fashion, the 18th edition of HSBC Colombo Fashion Week will focus on the increasingly important aspect of circularity for their Summer 2021 showcase taking place from March 25 to 27.
This year’s theme of Circularity in Fashion focuses on transformation in fashion, inspiring meaningful change in the fashion design industry of Sri Lanka, and promoting sustainability in the new environment created by shifting demands in a post-COVID reality.
“Circularity in fashion means societal wellbeing and environmental wellbeing,” says Founder and Managing Director of CFW Ajai Vir Singh. Speaking at the official press conference this week, he adds that 2021 is a new chapter for fashion globally in terms of how people perceive, create and consume fashion.
Additionally, the garment evaluation tool titled ‘Responsible Meter’ – a global first that was introduced last year will continue to be developed in Phase 2 as it strives to create dialogue between creator and consumer.
This edition of CFW will see 21 designers presenting their takes on the theme of circularity across a period of three days, with key designers like Sonali Dharmawardena, Charini Suriyage, Fouzul Hameed, Amilani Perera, Aslam Hussein and Dinushi Pamunuwa amongst others. Joining the illustrious lineup are three alums of CFW’s Designer Development Programme, namely Ayesh Milendra, Nilusha Maddumage and Himashi Wijesekera.
Continuing to maintain emphasis on developing the next generation of local fashion designers, 11 high potential young designers from CFW’s Emerging Designer Programme will also present their collections this year.
Joining CFW on their journey towards developing fashion in Sri Lanka are their partners, beginning with Title Partner of 14 years HSBC. CEO for HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives Mark Prothero also announced the launch of the HSBC Emerging Designer Fund and NextGen Award, for “budding designers to promote sustainability in fashion.”
After last year’s successful collaboration with designer Amilani Perera for her collection ‘Unbreakable’, the United Nations Population Fund in Sri Lanka has come on board as strategic partner to raise awareness on the issue of violence against women and girls. “We need all segments of society to take action to end violence, and this is where fashion comes in – fashion for a cause,” says the Representative of UNFPA in Sri Lanka Ritsu Nacken.
Also joining CFW 2021 is Shangri-La Hotel as Official Hospitality Partner, TRESemmé as Official Hair Care Partner, One Galle Face as strategic partner for CFW Retail Week, Vision Care as Official Eyewear Partner, Hameedia, Ramani Fernando as Official Hair and Make-up Partner, Media Factory as Official PR Partner, Emerging Media as Outdoor Digital Media Partner, amongst others.
Keeping in line with strict health protocols and social distancing, CFW will follow a hybrid format that includes limited attendance and livestreams of the runways for local and international audiences.
For more information on CFW Summer 2021, visit their website at www.colombofashionweek.com and their Twitter and Instagram pages @colombofashionweek.