Marlon Ravindu is the young and talented fashion designer behind the label “MALUBA” - a combination of his name and a pet name by which he is still fondly referred to.

The label is also representative of an islandic feel and that was important to him as he has always loved living in Sri Lanka.

“I started off at the Design Café and it was there that I started on my pattern making with the Selak Institute under the guidance of Damayanthi Wedage. After I completed that I went on to the Brandix College of Clothing Technology where I became batch top. I realised at this point that I was more in favour of the technical side of clothing which I excelled at rather than the artistic side which a lot of my friends in this industry are amazing at. 

I consider myself very fortunate to be associated with the people I have been exposed to, at this age, as it’s their kindness and willingness to help me achieve my goals and dreams that has led me thus far.” 

1) What inspires you when it comes to designing? Have you ever thought of becoming a fashion consultant?

I do not consider myself a fashion consultant as I am still very young and new to the trade and to carry a tag like that I believe you need lot of experience. I also feel that the term “fashion consultant” is more representative of a person who provides consultation to a client which I have no real interest in. 

However I do pride myself on being excited to create something that makes a client look good and more so, happy. 

2) What is your opinion of 'high fashion' in Sri Lanka?

There really is no high fashion in Sri Lanka, only fashion that each individual likes and what makes him or her feel comfortable. I guess the saree will be the closest that someone really comes to in terms of “High fashion” and that too a saree which has been created for that particular person. 

3) Apart from being an entrepreneur and a designer, what do you believe is the role (or even, the responsibility) of the contemporary fashion designer in society today?

I consider myself an entrepreneur because I have a sense of creating business opportunities for myself like starting with the specialised garment covers and uniforms for the hospitality industry which I do..I don’t believe that there is any responsibility other than the responsibility to myself for being creative. As a trained professional dancer I also have the good fortune to design and provide costumes for the eastern ballets and the stage. 

The green dress was all about the freedom of movement on an island and the freedom of expression to be who you are. 
 

4) With everyone thrilled to see what's new this season, what's modern in the fashion world for Spring/Summer '16?

I believe in staying true to what we can create in this country. I want to be strong in the world of ‘ready to wear’ and not couture because I believe in the strength of creating for everyone rather than a chosen few. So to answer your question.. I guess I too am excited to see what I have to offer this year! 

The nude dress was for a client who wanted understated elegance.

The black shirt is all about structure, and made up in cotton linen. 

 
5) What's hot & what's not? What's your take on what's trendy in the Lankan fashion industry, trends to look forward to this season?

What I find trendy in the local fashion scene is work from designers like Darshi of Buddhi Batiks because she is honestly groundbreaking in the process and it’s very evident how so many copy her trends the moment she comes out with them. There are lots of young designers who are friends of mine like Kasun, Amesh and Tharshana who have shown me that there is no end to what’s possible and I look forward to explore all those possibilities. 

What’s also hot AND inspiring is being around the other facets of fashion like makeup artist Viran Jose’ Peter who has achieved greatness from being constantly self taught and up on the daily international trends. The love and admiration his clients have for him is truly HOT! 

Gerald Solomons has been a big supporter of mine and has always been encouraging, that kind of experience money cannot buy and hence why I feel blessed on a daily basis.  

What’s NOT hot is bad work and copying the work of another designer for lack of creativity! I am constantly challenged by designers like Stefan Andre Joachim and Tymeron Carvalho who never let a moment of design weakness pass by which sometimes is very tiring and painful but I believe it has been this that has pushed me to my limits and created opportunities for me. 

Hair and Makeup - LEENA OF CHAGALL 
Model - Ornella Gunesekera 
Photographer - Chanaka Madhushan of CANDID

Text by Sandra De Zilva