It's nice to see that Sri Lanka is now a fashion hub for many fashion brands and labels. There are many home grown fashion labels which are catering to the fashion hungry market. Sachini is one such designer trying hard to be in the game.

She has her own label called “Nadee”. This designer wear targets ladies between the ages of of 18 and 30. Because of her desire to be exclusive, her clothing is limited to a very little number of pieces. 

Sachini is very ambitious that her label will one day take over the fashion globe. Let's talk to Sachini to learn of her plans.

1) Where did you get your training?

I've loved fashion since my childhood. Being a fashion designer and to own my own label was one of my dreams. I was bought up in Dubai and I got the chance to work in a small boutique.

This was during the time I was doing my higher studies. This helped me gain a lot of exposure and my desire to have my own label grew as well.

2)  Do you think fashion designers can earn money?

If we put our life and heart into our work and do good work then we can make a difference. For people to like my work, my work needs to be extraordinary. We need to satisfy their tastes.

3) Does a fashion designer need to be fashionable?

If we look around, all the top European and Asian fashion designers have their own design sense. I strongly believe we need to be fashionable. If we can achieve this by using our own label then we set an example.

4) What's your target market?

Nadee is a designer brand aimed at the 18-30 age group. I now focus on ladies wear. My designs go from a nominal price of 1000 to 2000. And I guess that’s a fair price compared to other designer wear brands in Sri Lanka.

5) Do you think Sri Lankan designer wear can go international?

Our people are very talented. The designers we have in Sri Lanka have a very good eye. If we put in more effort and with the proper backing, we can take over the world of fashion. But we need to maintain the Sri Lankan identity in the designs rather than going mainstream.

6) Where do you get materials for your clothes?

I ensure I get the best material, so my designs will look good. Most of my stuff are imported. I also have some friends around Colombo and Negombo who give me superior dress material.

7) How many pieces of one design do you make?

I believe modern girls don't want to be seen in common dresses. So I understand that, as I am one of them. 

I always design around 5 or 6 maximum from each design to keep it exclusive. No matter how fast I sell one design, I won't repeat it.

8) What are your future plans?

Right now I am concentrating on my next new collection. With this I will go to the next level of design culture.

'Some designs from her label 'Nadee':

Interview & pics by Jayantha Fernando