From November 7th to 10th at Cinnamon Life City of Dreams in Colombo, SLDF 15th edition themed ‘Innovation Island’ unfolds an inspiring public programme of immersive workshops, thought-provoking exhibitions, and visionary talks led by local and global creative icons.

The Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF) is an exciting blend of workshops, exhibitions, runways, talks, and shows. Curated with something for everyone—from those passionate about photography, art, fashion, architecture, sustainability, or typography to those interested in alternate lifestyles—the lineup is rich with sessions that unpack, inform, and inspire.

With an impressive roster of local and global speakers from design, styling, fashion, trend forecasting, art, photography, and architecture, SLDF is an opportunity to expand your creative horizons and discover new perspectives about global practices, local talent, and how innovation drives change across societies.

Many sessions are free with limited seating, so early registration is essential to secure your place. It’s a series of must-attend events that promises to inspire and engage across diverse interests. Here’s a quick look at a selection of fascinating talks, workshops and exhibitions from a wider public programme that can be explored fully at www.srilankadesignfestival.lk

What it Takes to Live a Creative Life; Hear it from Vogue India Former Editor, the Masters of Style at Kess Salon and Colombo’s Top Fashion Talent Interviewed by Shyamalee Tudawe and Danu.
For those drawn to the intersections of fashion, lifestyle, and entrepreneurship, the Sri Lanka Design Festival offers an unmissable lineup of insightful talks featuring industry pioneers.

First up is The Kess Experience: Masters of Style Vasantha x Prabath with Danu. Iconic stylists Vasantha De Silva and Prabath Mapatuna, the masterminds behind Kess Salon, will share their remarkable journeys in an exclusive conversation hosted by the ever-charismatic Danu Innasithamby.

Another event poised to capture attention is The Chosen Life: Bandana Tewari’s Journey to Conscious Living, where the globally renowned lifestyle journalist and former Editor-at-Large of Vogue India, Bandana Tewari, discusses her transformative journey from high fashion to sustainable living in Bali. Now an advocate for slow fashion and artisanal craftsmanship, Bandana, in conversation with Hi!! Magazine Editor Shyamalee Tudawe, will explore how aligning values with lifestyle choices leads to more intentional, fulfilling lives.

Also in this stellar lineup is Style and Substance: Amesh x Danu. What Drives Public Interest in Fashion, a conversation between award-winning designer Amesh Wijesekara and Danu Innasithamby. Amesh, known for blending artisanal craftsmanship with sustainable practices, will discuss the shifting landscape of fashion, identity, and gender expression. Danu, with his signature blend of humour and wit, will guide the conversation, making this a must-attend event for anyone curious about how fashion influences culture, identity, and social change.

A Programme Rich with Hands-on Workshops from DIY Fashion to Photography and Compelling Exhibitions
One of the standout workshops, Shapes and Hues: A Journey into Abstract Art Photography, features the esteemed Malaka MP, a celebrated photographer known for his mastery of manipulating light across various genres. With a career that spans both commercial and artistic photography, Malaka will guide participants through the fascinating realm of abstract photography, exploring the synergy between shapes, colours, and textures.

Adding a layer of depth to the festival is REFLECT: REFRAME: RENEW, an exhibition by renowned artist Anoma Wijewardene, hosted by Mercedes-Benz Art. This thought-provoking collection celebrates resilience and renewal through diverse media, inviting viewers to engage with powerful narratives alongside the artwork. With contributions from poet Ramya Chamalie Jirasinghe and mountaineer Jayanthi Kuru Utumpala, the exhibition not only showcases artistic excellence but also emphasizes collaboration and the importance of reflecting on our shared human experience.

The Waste to Wear: Kimono-making Workshop with Handloom Scraps invites participants to explore sustainable fashion under the guidance of award-winning designer Ruwanthi Gajadeera. This interactive session encourages attendees to repurpose discarded handloom materials into stylish kimonos, showcasing how creativity can lead to environmental responsibility.

Runways Fusing Tradition and Innovation: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka at SLDF
The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka—held in conjunction with the Sri Lanka Design Festival powered by DIMO and produced by AOD—will host some of the most interesting runways seen in South Asia. The ‘Emerging Designers Runway’ highlights fresh graduate talent, giving a platform to the newest voices in fashion.

The ‘Future Craft Runway’ reimagines traditional textile craftsmanship with innovative twists, while the ‘Destination Island Runway’ celebrates island-inspired styles. Lastly, the ‘Fashion Innovation Runway’ spotlights the merging of high-tech innovation with the creative prowess of Sri Lanka’s apparel industry. Streaming runways at www.mbfwsrilanka.com

Conscious Creativity: Talks on Sustainability and Regenerative Design at SLDF 2024
Exploring eco-conscious creativity and socially responsible innovation at the festival is ‘Not Just Fast Luxe: Strategies for Extending Luxury Lifecycle’, where Aimee Kyffin, Senior Service, and User Experience Designer, shares insights on extending the life cycle of luxury products. With a background in innovative design and mindful consumption, Aimee focuses on the intersection of luxury and sustainability, discussing how designers can create lasting products that go beyond fleeting trends. Attendees will gain practical strategies for reshaping the luxury industry, ensuring that high-end products align with the evolving demand for sustainability.

Another not-to-miss session is ‘The Routes We Take: The Regenerative Journey of Randhula x GLX’. Randhula de Silva, Founder and CEO of GoodLife X, will share her groundbreaking work in fostering systemic change across sectors, with a focus on innovation in agri-food, green energy, and tourism. Her regenerative approach, which supports sustainable startups and SMEs, offers a transformative blueprint for a future where business and nature coexist harmoniously. Randhula’s leadership in building resilient ecosystems through creativity and collaboration highlights the potential of design as a force for environmental and economic change.

‘Shaping Society Through Design: Using Creativity for Impact’,  featuring Aadhitya Jayaseelan (founder of Kayamai Studios), Dinara Punchihewa (performance artist), and Deanna Jayasundera (refind.lk), moderated by Safra Anver (TEDx Sri Lanka). This panel showcases how creativity can fuel social transformation. From promoting sustainable fashion to empowering marginalized voices through performance arts, these visionaries demonstrate the role of design in fostering inclusivity and sustainability.

Unmissable Sessions on Architecture, Interior Design and What it Means to Create Good Places
The Sri Lanka Design Festival public programme allows participants to learn from visionary designers and architects who are shaping the built environment in meaningful ways, from iconic urban projects to intimate interior spaces.

The session ‘Architectural Alchemy: Designing Cinnamon Life’ offers attendees a rare look into the philosophy and methodology behind the groundbreaking Cinnamon Life project, designed by the internationally acclaimed Balmond Studio. Led by Creative Director James Balmond, the studio merges the art of architectural imagination with the rigours of mathematical precision, creating spaces that resonate with both form and emotion.

Attendees will gain insight into how this extraordinary project has redefined urban luxury and connectivity in Sri Lanka, showing how architecture can transcend mere structures to create living, breathing environments.

In ‘Architectural Diplomacy’, prominent architects Channa Daswatte and Palinda Kannangara explore how Sri Lankan architecture is gaining global recognition. This conversation addresses how Sri Lankan designers are making waves internationally, balancing local traditions with global trends. For students considering a future in interiors, ‘Beyond Aesthetics: Insights from Shenali De Fonseka’ dives into the evolution of spatial design. Shenali, a forward-thinking designer, will offer advice to young creatives on building a personal brand and staying competitive in an ever-changing industry. 

For more information and to register, contact [email protected]