Leading couture designer Indi Yapa Abeywardena is set to take over the runway on 18 November 2022 at the Colombo Town Hall Building with her Spring-Summer 2023 collection ‘Aarya by Indi’. 

Announcing her debut solo fashion show at a press conference held at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, Indi shared that the show has been in the making for over four years and the collection is one that is very close to her heart.  The collection is named  ‘Aarya’ after Indi’s niece with particular significance placed on its reference to goddess Parvati and Durga given that the pieces are heavily influenced by the ancient history of Sri Lanka and India. “The collection was inspired by the romantic and political meeting of Vijaya and Kuweni and the connection between India and Sri Lanka throughout history. It embodies a sense of heritage and translates the past to the present through design.” 

The collection will feature statement pieces carrying Indi’s signature eye for detail through hand-drawn prints and handcrafted textures. With a focus on sustainability and culture, Aarya by Indi places Sri Lanka’s heritage crafts of beeralu and cane in the spotlight though its designs. Indi shared that the collection has over 50 styles ranging from bridal and ethnic wear to western wear like dresses, jumpsuits, and sarees adding that she is still working on a piece she hopes would be the ‘showstopper’ of the evening.  
As a young female entrepreneur, Indi shared her excitement of putting together a solo fashion show through her brand House of Indi and having the runway at an iconic venue like the Colombo Town Hall. She hopes the show will put Sri Lanka on the global map as a design destination and fashion hub and also inspire young designers, especially women, to challenge themselves in the fashion and design industry. 

On an ending note, Indi expressed her gratitude to everyone that is making the show possible, especially her team behind the scenes who are the pillars of her brand House of Indi. “My girls and I have been working tirelessly to make this show happen, it’s been a dream of ours for over 4 years and I hope to deliver a show that will leave everyone surprised.” 

The launch of the Aarya by Indi collection at the Colombo Town Hall will be followed by an afterparty at SEQUEL by Cinnamon Grand. As official hospitality partners of the show, Area VP Operations for Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Colombo, Kamal Munasinghe shared that Indi is a perfect fit for the brand’s ethos of supporting local industries and entreprenuers and promises something old with a little bit of something new at the after-party, “An experience where music meets theatricts and a good time to remember”. 

Christell Skin Clinic, a leading cosmetology clinic in Sri Lanka is the main sponsor of the event. Co-Founder of the clinic, Dr. Shanika Arsecularatne commented that their support for Indi’s show was a no-brainer; adding that the brand is a patron of strong female entreprenuers such as Indi who has revolutionized bridal wear in Sri Lanka. 

The Aarya by Indi collection is joined by Aroma Bliss Ceylon, Sri Lankan Airlines, Chariot Bakery and Restaurant, Brian Kerkoven Academy, Capello Salons, Beyond Destiny, Nierra Shoes, Gitano Collection, Lè Floristè, Wine World and Haut Monde Event Management as sponsors and partners for the show.

Pictures by Waruna Wanniarachchi