What - Sri Lanka Design Festival 
Where - Sri Lanka Exhibition & Convention Centre 
When - November 4 - 6, 2016 
Who - AOD 

Today on WTF, we took our cameras to the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Runways 2016 dressed in my LOVI sarong! The show was organised very well and what was amazing is that all this young talent had a place to shine! All these shows celebrated the fresh Sri Lankan design talent that is leading a way to establish an aesthetic that is unique to the island. I was there on Days 1 and 2 when they had a smooth sail on the runway and kept to the time schedule as well, which was a new thing for us Sri Lankans! 

The show incorporated cutting edge fashion with innovation from low-tech traditional craft merging with modernity. Each designer brought out the best and this year was also a way to promote Sri Lanka as a great travel destination. 

The three days of the runways were structured around three main features that make up the local fashion industry – namely the upcoming designers of Sri Lanka, the apparel and textile industry as well as the blooming fashion talent of the country. The shows were based on the theme of travel, to promote Sri Lanka as a travel fashion destination. And this is the time to show what this country has to offer. The clothes featured on the runway were designed for travellers, and it’s perfect for a country which loves the sun, or even the countries which celebrate their summer Big Time! 

Next to me on Day One sat a man who was so impressed by the talent he saw on the runway that it was truly great to appreciate the show. It was attended by a global audience of fashion who are into buying, design, retail and media and the show was also streamed live which grabbed more of an audience! 

The final show of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Runways 2016 featured young graduates who will join the creative taskforce of Sri Lanka's fashion industry. It was unfortunate that I missed this show but I did hear great reviews. 

Speaking to Linda Speldewinde, founder and Managing Director of AOD, Sri Lanka Design Festival and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Runways Sri Lanka, she said “Danu, this is just the beginning to greater things and I’m so happy with all the great people I got the chance to work with!” 

Along with the show , it was also a great place to see some interesting interior proposals by the AOD students at Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF) which launched its first-ever Interior Design Edition in 2014, bringing together the latest trends, innovations, new designer ranges and specialty services in furniture, textiles, finishes, flooring, lighting, colour, ceramic, roofing and product design etc. and the ideas you get to see are just amazing! In total, it was a great show and well planned! 

Today on WTF 

Video and photographs by You’re My Favorite 
Hair and make up - Capello Salons 
Transport Partner - PickMe 
Outfit - LOVI Sarongs