Untapped potential

By Natasha Fernandopulle

The world of fashion designing is certainly a competitive one and for a prospective designer to be able to survive in this world, it takes a whole load of talent and heaps of hard work. However, before entering this arena, it might be useful to take along with you, a well earned qualification and this is what the Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology (LIFT) offers prospective students of fashion design.

In February this year, the first batch of students for the year 2007, graduated with a Diploma in Fashion Design. The second batch, too, faced external examinations, which were held on November 22. They were examined by the well known Indian Designer Hemant Trevedi, Executive Design Director, Sheetal Design Studio-Mumbai. The students were finally able to present their work at a fashion show held on November 25, 2007 at Graffiti, and the work presented was based on the theme, "The Five Elements."

The atmosphere was enhanced by the décor, which was handled by the students of the Advanced Diploma, of which a very long high-healed, glittery shoe, in shades of red, caught my eye. The show was choreographed Niroshani Leanage, director for studies, LIFT and the catwalk for the show was slightly different to what we usually expect of a catwalk…in that, it included the models having to walk down a few step and then having to proceed to walk on a half moon shaped stage and then walk back up a small flight of stairs.

The designs consisted of the idea of, "fashion meets fantasy," as well as a ready-to-wear collection. Most of the designs were eye catching, outrageous and definitely brought out a sense of fantasy. The designs consisted of earthy tones, with one interesting design representing the healing powers of wood according to the Chinese philosophy.

Crosses were the theme for another design where the model had to carry crosses in the shape of a fan of sorts, in the colours of blue, purple and red. These aside, the other designs included flowers and fire as well as metallic colours all blended in, to bring out the theme of the five elements; fire, earth, water, metal and wood.

Another design which was interesting was how the designer had blended the idea of the Kandyan bride and groom. The model wore the traditional accessories worn by the Kandyan bride and her attire was blended with the traditional nilame outfit! In fact it is interesting to note that before the catwalk began, Mr. Trevedi stated the importance of maintaining Sri Lankan identity when designing, he went on to say, "make your own (fashion)," adding that one should try to not quote any other fashion.

A very cute aspect was where one designer took into consideration the idea of fashion meets fantasy, to dress children! The designer had three adorable toddlers presenting themselves on the catwalk in clothes in the shades of baby blue, green and purple. These young models had the spotlight on them for a few seconds and seemed to love every second of it! There were a few designs for men as well, which were more or less in the ready to wear category where the clothes were casual and made using linen and raw silks.

The second part of the evening included some of the work which was presented in the form of an exhibition, on the top floor of the club, followed by cocktails.