Sitting around a table cluttered with scrap books and pieces of cloth, five enthusiastic young designers talk animatedly about the garments they have designed and their upcoming fashion show and exhibition. The scrap books which trace the development of their ideas from vague sketches to exquisite and creative designs are witness enough to the sheer talent they possess.
It is time once more for the annual Graduation Fashion Show and Flatwork Exhibition organized by the Department of Textile and Clothing Technology, University of Moratuwa, where the graduating batch is given the opportunity to put the knowledge they gained and their artistic and innovative skills to good use by designing and presenting their own collection of clothing.
“Each one of us has decided on different concepts,” explains Sandaruwani Edirisinghe.
Though the end products are dazzling, getting there is no easy task. Much detailed research of a particular market and potential customers is carried out and once a strategic proposal identifying a particular label or niche market segment is prepared, the students proceed to develop designs, problem solve, create and produce the final garments.
The grand finale this evening (November 13) at the Mount Lavinia Hotel will be the Graduation Fashion Show while the flatwork exhibition showing how the students developed their designs will be held from November 15 to 17 at the university premises. This year the fashion show sees the participation of 22 young designers. The Export Development Board (EDB) is a main sponsor for this event.
“Providing the students with exposure to the industry and promoting this course are some of the main objectives in planning these events,” says Sulari de Silva, Lecturer at the Department of Textile and Clothing Technology. As the students are going to be employed in this field of work they need to know the processes and the way things are done, she adds.
The event is attended by well-known personalities in the fashion industry and hence is the ideal platform for students to showcase their novel design concepts, special talents and technological innovations. This also provides them with the experience of working with professional models and show coordinators.
“This is a good opportunity to market our collections and creativity and to show the knowledge that we have gained,” says Chandramali Sucharitha whose designs are based on circular shapes. Drawing inspiration from East Asian folk dancing which includes circular movements, Chandramali has chosen the concept of ‘circular spellbinder’. Working on this project for the past year, Chandramali decided to adopt the Asian brand Shiatzy Chen.
The project requires students to develop garments for a real customer and select their own brand or a famous brand name. They make the garments themselves using the resources available at the university and outsource the work that requires technology not available at the university such as laser cutting and bonding.
This is what Sandaruwani, who chose to design evening wear for Valentino did, as her garments required both processes. Highly appreciative of the fashion show and exhibition organized by the department, she believes that “this programme gives good exposure and highlights our collection”.
Today, much emphasis is laid on ‘going green’ and Saranga Galpaya who has been inspired by objects of cultural value such as the Polonnaruwa vatadage explains the eco-friendly concept based on nature, manpower and technology. He has his very own brand ‘Sasri’ and the brand logo is etched on the hangers on which the clothes made of ayurvedic fabric are hung. His target market being Sri Lankans, Saranga uses handloom technology.
Ever connected fashion designing with a world war and hunger? For Chamira Muhandiramge, they are not unrelated themes at all. “Fashion is a way to express feelings and I want to convey a message to society through fashion,” he says earnestly.
Chamira, who has chosen a sports theme and the slogan ‘Let the smiles shine’ connects them up with war and hunger. He concentrates on the possibility of a Third World war and on famine or hunger.
His concept revolves around the image of plastic water bottles and burning plates.
“Plastic bottles contain water needed for life, while the plastic is in itself dangerous. Likewise, soldiers save lives but the political aspect and war is perilous,” explains Chamira adding, “the burning plate on the other hand connects hunger with flames or fire in war.”
His collection of clothes is designed for the gym-- the outer layer when one steps out of the gym and the inner layer while working out.
Chamira has chosen Nike, with the proposal of venturing ahead and keeping up with the other major competitors in the fashion industry. Chamira also has his own brand – NKM2 – combining Nike and his name.
Ishani Prarthana draws a parallel between a camping tent and a garment, having chosen the concept of ‘Be Prepared’ the motto of the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. “Just as a tent is shapeless without the necessary knots and gathering, a garment is also without shape sans the knots and gathering,” she explains.
Therefore, concentrating on five words – versatile, portable, detachable, transformable and constructive (Scouting jargon) – Ishani, a Guide herself, uses different kinds of knots and detachable zippers in designing her garments which are created for the brand Eddie Bauer.
The Department of Textile and Clothing Technology of the University of Moratuwa initiated the degree course Fashion Design and Product Development in collaboration with the London College of Fashion, University of Arts, London in 2003. The Fashion Design Degree offers students an understanding of design skills needed in the textile and apparel industry, with a strong design focus to nurture the students’ creativity as well as practical and technical skills. |
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