HSBC Colombo Fashion Week commenced on the 3rd of Feb, starting with the Bright Spark shows. This week we highlight some of the designers that will be showcasing on the main shows taking place from the 6th to the 8th of Feb.

Indeevari Yapa Abeywardene –

Former student of the University of Middlesex and Hertfordshire University, Indi is certainly not a novice in the Sri Lankan fashion industry. This is the 3rd year in which she will be showcasing at the HSBC Colombo Fashion Week.

Speaking about her collection Indi says, “My collection is in line with the Crafts in Fashion project, it will consist of a lot of intricate lace details. I’m working with the colour palate ‘Romance’ which consists of red, black, sand and pure white.”

Deriving inspiration from her childhood Indi will be showcasing evening dresses, office wear and some casual pieces, in lace trims and traditional batik prints. She was also inspired by intricate designs of the ancient traditional ‘Sesath’.

Indi adds that all of her designs are manufactured by local artisans down to the lace work which is done by hand.

Catherine Rawson –

New comer Catherine Rawson is showcasing for the first time in Colombo Fashion Week. A student of Central St. Martin’s College of Art and Design in England, Catherine’s collection was inspired by her childhood memories of visiting the beach.

“I thought back to my childhood and the outfits we used to wear while going on holiday in the 80’s and I thought I could bring some of those back in a more modern sense.”

She further adds that she was also inspired by wooden piers and chairs, music festivals and even markets

Catherine will be showcasing casual day wear in a variety of bright and vibrant hues.

By Ashanthi Navaratne