A chat with Sanchita Ajjampur... 

Sanchita Ajjampur is a fashion designer with over 20 years of experience in consulting for international designers and global luxury brands. She holds a degree in fine arts from the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture Parisienne, Paris, France and a master’s degree in fashion and technology from Domus Academy, Milan, Italy. Sanchita is the creative director and founder of ‘Sanchita’ capsule line of women’s wear, soft accessories and footwear. She was one of the international designers who showcased their designs at the Colombo Fashion Week ‘Swim’ segment held recently.

In a casual interview with the Daily Mirror Life, Sanchita expressed her views about being in Sri Lanka while giving a few tips for our designers to improve as well.

Is this your first visit to Sri Lanka?

I have come here several times. Sri Lanka is a country that is very close to my heart.

What are your inspirations?

I am inspired by lifestyles, food, travelling and places. I call myself a ‘Global Nomad’ because I do a lot of travelling.

What is it like to be a part of CFW ‘Swim’?

I was a part of the resort wear show and ‘Swim’ has always been a component. I think the organisers have done a fantastic job. It’s lovely to be in this country and if more Colombo Fashion weeks can be done then they will find their place on the map and come in par with pageants in Miami and other international destinations.

Sri Lankan designers are often stuck in one place and when it comes to the Sri Lankan fashion industry not many international pageants are organised. Why do you think this is so?

I think it takes time to come up with one’s own fashion label or a pageant. Sri Lanka has its advantages with the warm weather and different design trends such as batiks unique to Sri Lanka. They also need the exposure and a practical experience. There’s space for everybody but the designers should understand what they are best for and improve in those categories.

What do you think that Sri Lankan designers are lacking?

They have their own handcrafting, batiks and other techniques unique to Sri Lanka but I think they also need to be a bit modern. I think Sri Lanka is blessed to have its own manufacturing sources because it’s not the case when it comes to most Western countries. So I think the designers need to make the best out of what they have and make it look more interesting.

What is the next level of designing in the fashion industry?

Fashion is not only about clothing. Footwear and accessories too are integral components of fashion. I think there needs to be a match between all these rather than highlighting one particular piece of clothing or brand. For example, Sri Lanka has gemstones, so designers should look at incorporating these resources in their designs.

By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe