In its inaugural edition, Colombo Fashion Week (CFW) Swim, presented by OLU Tropical Water will feature a line-up that includes nine Sri Lankan designers and the collections of three highly-acclaimed and respected international swimwear labels. With a technical collaboration with Linea Aqua, CFW Swim 2016 will be held on 7 and 8 August at the Hilton Colombo Poolside.

Regarded as the backbone of the Sri Lankan fashion industry, CFW is also renowned as one of the more ‘international’ Fashion Weeks in Asia, due to the regular participation of some of the world’s most recognised fashion designers and brands.

Since its inception in 2003, CFW has inspired growth amongst Sri Lankan fashion industry by introducing a Fashion Week culture within the country and driving designers to produce seasonal and retail-ready collections. Swim was introduced as a third season in the annual CFW calendar to serve as the most important platform for Sri Lankan and international swimwear labels in the region, and showcase Sri Lanka’s world-class swimwear manufacturing capabilities.

CFW is one of four main Fashion Weeks in Asia that are over ten years old and, as a developmental project, is constantly creating innovative runway and retail opportunities for Sri Lankan designers to gain exposure and breakthrough into the global fashion arena.

Here’s a roundup of the designers.

The Sri Lankan Designers 

Nine Sri Lankan designers will showcase swimwear collections at CFW Swim 2016, which will also serve as an important platform for emerging designers.

Charini Suriyage

Charini Suriyage (CHARINI), will debut a retro-inspired, sporty line of swimwear designed especially for the Sri Lankan woman. 

Upeksha Hager

Upeksha Hager’s (U by Upeksha Hager), collection will feature floral, striped and teacup-inspired patterns and figure-flattering structures.

Arugam Bay Beachwear

Arugam Bay Beachwear Swim 2016 Collection will feature sporty, contemporary silhouettes, pastel and neon hues and bold floral prints.

Charlene Thuring

Charlene Thuring (C.H.A.R.L.E.N.E.) will debut her Bohemian Swimwear Collection.

Sharmila Ruberu

Sharmila Ruberu (Meraki) will debut her swimwear collection, featuring striking colours and feisty designers.

Rukshika Fernando

Just five months after its debut at CFW BrightSpark Shows – Spring/Summer 2015, Rukshika Fernando (Rum Punch) will showcase its Active Tribal Collection.

Swimwear collections will also be presented by celebrated designer, Darshi Keerthisena (Buddhi Batiks), and leading intimates brand under the MAS portfolio, amanté.

The International Designers 

CFW Swim will showcase the latest collections of three influential swimwear labels – one American and two South Asian – to be appreciated by media, buyers and consumers.

Matthew Zink

With a huge following amongst Hollywood celebrities and international style bloggers, Charlie by Matthew Zink is a luxury swim lifestyle brand dedicated to the seduction of the perfect swimsuit.  Charlie is the vision of New York based designer Matthew Zink. The former Design Director for Victoria's Secret Swimwear has created Charlie to indulge men and women who desire an elite swimwear experience. At CFW Swim 2016, Charlie will showcase its ‘#FOREVERCHARLIE’ Collection.  Rooted in simplicity and Charlie's signature timeless aesthetic, Charliefans can look forward to one of the brand's most iconic collections including to date.

Shivan & Narresh

India’s first luxury swimwear brand, Shivan & Narresh is the label of prodigal designers, Shivan Bhatiya and Narresh Kukreja. The brand was launched in Cannes at ‘Mare di Moda’ with its 100% stitch-free swim line. Shivan & Narresh is aimed at making swimsuits and is the first Indian brand to showcase at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012 in Miami, USA. Shivan & Narresh has been recognised by Forbes magazine under the celebrated '30 under 30' List. Recently, the brand designed vintage swimsuits for the Hollywood movie Life of Pi by Ang Lee. Brazilian flip-flop brand Havaianas has collaborated with the brand for a special collection. For CFW Swim 2016, the brand will present its Cruise Resort Collection, ‘Henri’s Garden’.

Sanchita Ajjampur

Sanchita Ajjampur is a fashion designer with over 20 years of experience in consulting for international designers and global luxury brands, and the Creative Director and Founder of sanchita. Unconventional, free spirited, desirable, energetic and global appeal, are what make up the sanchita’s essence of the modern global traveller. She has also created swimwear for La Perla and Armani and consulted for Victoria’s Secret. In 2000, Sanchita co-founded Sanfab India with her brother Raj Ajjampur in Bangalore, India. Sanfab produces fully-finished ‘Made-in-India' luxury products and semi-finished pieces for iconic brands like Lanvin, Etro, Marni and DSquared2 among others.

CFW is also enriched by its partnerships with Nissan, Yamaha, Vision Care, American & Efird Lanka, Bodyline, Ramani Fernando Salons and Leo Burnett, ARC Worldwide – who believe in the vision and aspirations of CFW – for CFW Swim 2016.

For more information on CFW Swim 2016 visit www.colombofashionweek.com, www.facebook.com/colombofashionweek, Twitter (@colombofw) and Instagram (@colombofw). Use #CFWSwim to join the conversation.