With just a few days to go before the start of one of the most high profile events in Sri Lanka’s fashion calendar, the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka, here’s an exclusive preview of some of the designers from Day 2 of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka. Held in collaboration with the AOD and DIMO, this year’s event will see 65 designers showcase a variety of collections ranging from athleisure and knitwear to childrenswear and casualwear. MBFL Sri Lanka is also considered a springboard for many young designers to launch their new collection and this year we are especially keen to identify Sri Lanka’s new design talent. 

RAIDHA’s:

1. What does it mean to take part in Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka?

Its an honor to represent the Maldives and being a past alumni and its a huge impact to my brand and the marketing.

2. Can you describe the collection you will be showcasing?

Raidha’s Maldives MBFWSL18 collection is all about modest and western diversity hijab and non-hijab silhouettes. 

3. What is the inspiration behind this collection?

The inspiration is from Victorian greenhouse beehive with lots of applique, handwork, prints and embroidery fabric with lace trips and French lace. The collection draws inspiration from three different aspects Silhouettes, applique and Victorian based colour codes.

4. Describe the use of any elements of artisanal crafts in this collection.

Glass stones appliques and detailing will be used in almost every piece of the collection.

5. What do you hope to get out of this experience?

I hope to meet the sellers and other designers from the industry and promote my own brand.

6. What is the unique selling point of your collection?

The collection is going to be for more wearable and dark shades with lots of mix matches.

Kasuni Ratnayake KÛR Collection:

1. What does it mean to take part in Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka?

Happy to take part in MBFW SL as an alumni of AOD

2. Can you describe the collection you will be showcasing?

It’s called “ Compact traveller”. The collection symbolizes the strong and confident woman who is professional with an affinity for work, travel, and exploration. From the office to urban adventures, this is the “ New way she travels”.

3. What is the inspiration behind this collection?

Russian Artist Kazimir Malevich's “Suprematism” art movement and millennial travels of working women.  

4. Describe the use of any elements of artisanal crafts in this collection.

Sri Lankan Beeralu lace is a significant craft element in the collection

 
5. What do you hope to get out of this experience?

Sharing the story of craftsmanship and authenticity in contemporary fashion. 

6. What is the unique selling point of your collection? 

Handcrafted lace on contemporary fashion. 

KHYATI Pande

1. What does it mean to take part in Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka?

MBFW Sri Lanka is a great opportunity for a budding brand like me, it's a great platform to showcase & get the apt brand visibility it needs.

2. Can you describe the collection you will be showcasing?

The collection is called 'The Memory Keeper'. The basic common thread of thought between all our collections is to make clothes that keeps one at ease, unrestricted, and unbiased, where clothes simply layer on to you like a comforting hug. The Garments are a blend of modern sensibilities, fused with traditional silhouettes and imbibes the principle of longevity and sustainability in terms of design and material practice.

3. What is the inspiration behind this collection?

As an extension to our SS18, inspired by a faint lingering sense of summer nostalgia, the collection is drawn from ‘the floral fragments of pressed flowers beneath the pages of your favourite book’. Using basic and the most elementary form of patterns seen and used in textiles, the concept is to create silhouettes which simply slips and layers over like ones own skin, clothes that become a part of ones everyday chores. Something that can be worn from 9AM-9PM.

4. Describe the use of any elements of artisanal crafts in this collection.

The collection is crafted from Handwoven Khadi muslin, Khadi silk, hand block printed silk organza, fused with dainty hand embroidered motifs. Embracing the tranquility of anti fits, the garment cuts are kept boxy with oversized layers and play of sheer volume to add to the drama.

5. What do you hope to get out of this experience?

This is going to be our debut show, so feels nervous & exciting at the same time. Looking forward to the same

6. What is the unique selling point of your collection?

Each design is crafted by carefully curating and juxtaposing textiles of a different genre, to create a unique essence. The idea is to create unbiased designs for a timeless wardrobe, that can be borrowed and shared within generations, which are not bound by trend, time, age, size or place; ‘Clothes that liberate you’

CHARINI Suriyage

1. What does it mean to take part in Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka?

I’m really looking forward to do this show as I see it as an international platform with a different handwriting. 

2. Can you describe the collection you will be showcasing?

The collection is for the modern traveler who appreciates culture and history and can relate to Silhouettes which are contemporary and versatile

3. What is the inspiration behind this collection?

This collection is inspired by Ancient Sri Lankan Temple art. These images are abstract interpretations of these motifs offered in an international color palette for the season. 

4. Describe the use of any elements of artisanal crafts in this collection.

Improved versions of Batik and tie-dye techniques along with Beeralu (pillow lace) done with modern yarn are the chosen craft-based techniques. 

5. What do you hope to get out of this experience?

Offering a unique tran seasonal collection to our loyal clientele and reaching out to new retail markets. 

6. What is the unique selling point of your collection?

This collection gives the wearer the versatility of mixing and matching any piece of the collection with their own wardrobe essentials to create a complete look .