IAF: A QUARTER CENTURY OF EXCELLENCE IN FASHION EDUCATION

A quarter century ago,  fashion in Sri Lanka awaited its defining moment. Often regarded as a pastime rather than a profession, creative careers lacked recognition and formal pathways were scarce. The International Academy of Fashion (IAF), founded by Niroshani Leanage became the catalyst that transformed not only an industry, but a nation's creative destiny on the global stage.

BOLD BEGINNINGS

As the world entered a new millennium in 2000, Niroshani Leanage took a visionary leap, establishing the Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology (LIFT), today IAF, turning Sri Lankan fashion into a recognised profession and redefining the country’s creative legacy. The academy is formally registered under the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission of Sri Lanka, cementing its standing as a credible and accredited institution for professional fashion education.

Armed with international fashion education and a foundation in apparel manufacturing, Niroshani Leanage joined forces with Roshani Leanage, whose expertise in production and finance provided a steady anchor. Together, the two pioneers built a curriculum as thorough as any European programme while weaving in the richness of Sri Lankan artistry. This precision shaped an institution that has since become the benchmark for creative excellence in South Asia.

LEGACY WITHOUT BORDERS

In 2003, IAF reached a pivotal milestone by partnering with the University of Northampton, UK, which authored the Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design. IAF implemented the programme locally, with students completing the final year at Northampton, gaining critical international exposure.

In 2015, IAF entered into an franchise with Mod’Art International Paris, one of France’s most distinguished fashion institutions. This partnership opened direct access to Parisian ateliers and European pedagogy, positioning IAF firmly within the world of haute couture.

In recognition of this extraordinary contribution to international cultural exchange and fashion education, the French government bestowed upon both Niroshani Leanage and Roshani Leanage the coveted distinction of Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knights of the Order of Arts and Letters) - France's most prestigious cultural honour, reserved exclusively for those who have significantly enriched French cultural heritage and distinguished themselves through exceptional creativity in arts, culture, and literature - cementing IAF's position on the global stage.

Building on this legacy, in 2024 IAF introduced a UK qualification through OTHM, the UK awarding body. This landmark initiative gives Sri Lankan students access to recognised credentials abroad, further enhancing the academy’s reputation and reaffirming its commitment to cultivating designers equipped to excel beyond national borders.

EXCELLENCE AS A FAMILY

In 2011, Neloni Leanage assumed responsibilities as Director of Admissions and Student Affairs after extensive experience in international airlines across Sri Lanka, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Neloni Leanage’s expertise in logistics and cross-cultural relations proved invaluable as IAF began attracting students from across the world. The Leanage family’s shared vision continues to sustain the academy’s ethos: rigorous professionalism anchored in care, creativity, and global outlook.

EVOLUTION IN EDUCATION

Senior Lecturer Vibhushi Senarathne and the faculty, champion a hybrid approach that blends traditional handcraft skills with digital expertise and merging the artistry of design in the industry. In the studio, students refine pattern cutting, draping, and finishing to professional standards, while digital modules strengthen 2D and 3D visualization, product development, and collection planning. Industry briefs ensure that learning stays closely connected to market realities. This balance warrants that graduates master both the artistry of fashion and the technological fluency required in contemporary design.

THE NEXT CHAPTER

Niroshani Leanage envisioned Sri Lankan designers commanding international runways and reshaping the nation's creative identity. Today, she continues championing the same revolutionary philosophy: create without compromise, lead with creativity, inspire with authenticity.

From its founding vision to international recognition illustrates not only the growth of an academy but the transformation of a nation’s creative identity. For Sri Lanka’s anchoring Fashion School, the silver jubilee marks a new chapter of limitless possibility - a future where Sri Lankan fashion continues to inspire the world through the International Academy of Fashion.

GLOBAL BUSINESS PUBLISHER

IAF’s approach to fashion education is defined by immersive international exposure, blending hands-on studio practice with encounters at the world’s leading luxury houses and trendsetting hubs in Paris, Milan, and Dubai. Complementing this global engagement, signature initiatives such as the International Graduates Fashion Spectacle (IGFS) provide graduates with a prestigious platform to present their work on the international stage.

At the heart of IAF’s philosophy lies creativity, cultivated through a 1:18 teacher-student ratio and a pedagogy rooted in design thinking that delivers intensive, personalised mentorship. Emerging technologies - including AI and advanced design software - enhance, rather than replace, hand sketching, fabric manipulation, and original design skills, ensuring students retain true creative authenticity.

Looking ahead, IAF will launch postgraduate level course in Strategic Marketing for Fashion in 2026. Accredited by the UK awarding body and supported by a leading international business intelligence publisher, this online programme equips graduates and professionals with advanced expertise in branding, analytics, and global market leadership, positioning Sri Lanka at the forefront of empowering Fashion Business Education.

Standing (left to right): Hasini Disara, Vibhushi Senaratne, Vindya Keerthirathne, Tharindu Ameresekere, Sherine Van Hoff, Thaarangani Manivannan and Agshana Jeyarajan. Seated (left to right): Niroshani Leanage, Roshani Leanage and Neloni Leanage.